UG Announces Changes in Community Center Operations

Published on August 29, 2024

Operating hours set to change at our six community centers in September.

The Unified Government has announced upcoming changes to the community center operations will go into effect September 3, 2024, following the evaluation of several issues. During a time when all employers are competing for talent, the Parks & Recreation Department has analyzed the challenges they have experienced with fully staffing the six (6) recreation and community center. A significant change that will be made is moving our Recreation Specialists, the dedicated team members who support these facilities, will no longer be required to work a six-day work week as all schedules will move to a five-day work week. This change will help us, moving forward, with recruitment and retention of key staff. 

Challenges Faced

While the Recreation Division is budgeted for one manager, four program managers, 11 recreation specialist and six program aides, this is a very small team to fully staff six community centers, youth and adult sports programs, and other center-specific programs at our current hours of operations. Plus, as of this article, six of these positions are currently vacant making it impossible to adequately staff the centers with the current schedule.

Recruitment has been difficult due to the lower pay and requirement for a six-day work week. Over the past year, the Unified Government has received over 100 applications for the Recreation Specialist position but only four applicants, when offered a position, have accepted the job. The top three reasons for turning down the position include: rate of pay, the six-day work week, and the residency requirement. Adjusting the required schedule will make the Unified Government a more competitive employer in an already tight job market.

Additionally, the centers have historically been operated by a single staff member in each center. This has caused significant safety concerns among staff and does not provide the support needed to ensure we can provide a welcoming, open environment for all. In evaluating our management plan, the Unified Government has determined that we need at least two staff members at all times for safety and customer service, aligning with national standards.

Impact on Community Center Hours of Operations

Effective September 3, 2024, all community centers will be closed on Sunday and Monday, and updated hours of operation for Tuesday – Saturday will go into effect.  Community centers will continue to operate 40 hours each week but will move to five days of service instead of six days. 

*Currently closed due to staffing levels. Additional closures may occur if staffing levels decrease.

The Unified Government Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing high quality programming and services. As resources and budget are available, we will continue to evaluate the level of service to ensure we are offering quality services to our community and safe working conditions for staff. Please stay tuned for additional updates throughout the summer. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.