New procedures to gradually yield standardized 10% discounts for seniors, youth, military and patrons with special needs

In January 2015, THPRD will begin phasing in a five-year plan to standardize patron discounts currently provided to seniors, youth and patrons with special needs. And for the first time, the park district will provide program discounts to all military personnel and their dependents.

A review of patron discounts was recommended in the district’s 2013 Comprehensive Plan Update to help district programs achieve cost recovery targets. All procedural changes were approved by the board of directors in August 2014 following public surveys and meetings.
Discounts are available only to in-district residents. They do not apply to certain services, primarily rentals or private lessons.

The new provision expected to have the greatest impact is an adjustment in the qualifying age for senior discounts, to match the federally established Medicare/Social Security eligibility age. Eligibility age for discounted THPRD programs will increase, from 55 to 65, by January 2017. (Qualifying age may be adjusted in future years to match Medicare/Social Security eligibility age.)

Implementation begins on Jan. 1, 2015, when the eligibility age for discounts climbs to 58; it will increase to 62 in 2016 and to 65 in 2017.

Simultaneously, discounts provided to seniors will be gradually reduced to 10%. Currently, patrons 55 and older receive a 30% discount at the Elsie Stuhr Center. The senior discount is 25% at other THPRD facilities for drop-in programs, classes and passes.

Senior Discount Eligibility Age / Program Discount Implementation

“Our goal was develop a policy consistent with what we’re seeing elsewhere in the parks and recreation industry,” said Director of Planning Aisha Willits, who is overseeing implementation of the comprehensive plan update. “We met with advisory committees, including several Stuhr Center patrons, and largely heard that 10% made sense, and was similar to discounts established in other places.”

Willits said the changes will not affect the long-standing minimum age (55) for participation at the Elsie Stuhr Center.

“Anyone 55 or older will remain eligible to participate in all activities, classes and fitness opportunities provided at the Stuhr Center (pictured),” she said.

The military discount will also go into effect on Jan. 1, 2015. All U.S. Department of Defense Military ID cardholders (including retirees and military dependents) and veterans will receive a 10% discount on all THPRD programs.

"The idea of a discount for military personnel is one that has been discussed here at THPRD for a long time,” Willits said. “We are pleased to finally make it happen and honor them and their families for their service to our nation."

Discounts on programs for youth and for guests with special needs (including Camp Rivendale, Therapeutic Recreation, and Specialized Aquatics) will gradually be reduced to 10% as well.

Youth 17 and under are not eligible to receive discounts on classes but do receive a 25% discount on general admission and frequent user passes. That discount will be reduced to 10% by 2017.

Discount Implementation Schedule for Youth, 17 and under

Specialized recreation programs for individuals with special needs are discounted by 40%. Over the next five years, the discount will be scaled to 10%, matching discounts provided to seniors, youth and military.

Discount Implementation Schedule for Patrons with Special Needs

A patron representing multiple protected classes – for example, a 65-year-old military veteran – would not be eligible for multiple discounts.

About the 2013 Comprehensive Plan Update

The 2013 Comprehensive Plan Update helps further the mission of THPRD, and determines additional service needs that can be provided in harmony with other recreation providers. The 10���year plan – an update of the 2006 Comprehensive Plan – focuses on immediate, short���term, and longer���term capital development and improvement strategies that correspond to the community’s unmet needs and priority investments for critical parks and recreation services. It was created with a consultant team, which integrated financial, environmental, and social sustainability concepts into all aspects of the district’s planning in an effort to improve parks, facilities and recreational opportunities for the greater Beaverton area.