NO FEES FOR LAWRENCE REC CENTERS!

IF YOU AGREE, PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION

The Lawrence City Commission is considering implementing fees for our recreation centers, which are currently free for all residents. We petition the Lawrence City Commission to maintain free access to all Lawrence, KS recreation centers. We also petition them to explore alternative funding sources to maintain and improve our recreation centers.

WHY FREE ACCESS TO OUR CITY'S RECREATION FACILITIES IS SO IMPORTANT

Recreation centers are places for community members to exercise, gather, and participate in activities that enhance their lives. They foster a sense of community, encourage a healthy lifestyle, support residents' well being, and are accessible for all families and individuals alike.

Lawrence prides itself on equity and inclusion, but implementing fees to access our local recreation centers would create barriers to their benefits, especially for lower-income residents who rely on these services. Every resident, regardless of financial status, should have access to these vital services.

These fees are being proposed because the City has made substantial financial decisions in the last five years that have led to a budget deficit. During this time, residents have also seen a 40% increase in their property taxes and an 18% increase in their utility fees. The proposed fees for recreation centers would be an additional burden on a community that is already paying substantially for the City's increased spending.

The median household income in Lawrence, KS is $63,000 and 17.6% of the population lives in poverty. Introducing fees could alienate nearly a fifth of the community, families whose budgets are already stretched, and individuals who view local recreation centers as their only option for affordable fitness and recreation. By implementing these fees, we would risk increasing health disparities.

Instead of charging fees, the City could explore alternative funding sources to maintain and improve the recreation centers. Options include

• partnerships with local businesses,
• community fundraising events,
• increasing fees for tournaments,
• charging spectator fees at tournaments,
• finding additional sponsorships,
• better advertising of existing revenue-generating activities,
• increasing concession revenue, and
• exploring grant opportunities focused on health and community enhancement.        

Sign this petition, and share it with others, to urge the Lawrence City Commission officials to maintain free access to our local recreation centers so everyone can access their benefits without economic barriers.