Jan. 1 policy changes to benefit a variety of THPRD program users

The Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District will implement changes starting Jan. 1 that will benefit many fitness enthusiasts, military families, and participants who live outside THPRD boundaries.

With registration for THPRD’s winter programs starting soon – Saturday, Dec. 13, at 8 am for in-district residents – a summary follows to help patrons understand the changes, which were driven by the district’s 2013 Comprehensive Plan Update.

Group fitness has never been easier

THPRD is taking a new approach to its group fitness programming, dropping the preregistration requirement for more than 200 weekly group classes, including yoga, Pilates, Zumba, BodyPump and aqua fitness classes. (Elsie Stuhr Center and Tualatin Hills Nature Center patrons may still preregister for some group fitness programs.)

The district’s new Deluxe Pass allows patrons to participate in group fitness classes at any facility whenever space permits. It provides up to two hours of free childcare at participating facilities, and also includes access to pools, weight rooms, cardio equipment and other drop-in benefits included with the General Pass (formerly Frequent User Pass).

“We wanted to introduce a more user-friendly model to give guests better access to all of our facilities,” said Sharon Hoffmeister, superintendent of Aquatics. “The more you use it, the lower your cost per visit, and there’s nothing lost when you don’t go.”

The Deluxe Pass for an adult (ages 18-57) can be purchased monthly for $51.50 or at a discounted rate for periods of three, six or 12 months. Daily admission to a fitness class, without the childcare benefit, is $10 for in-district adults.

Pay-per-class option offered for out-of-district residents

THPRD offers early registration and lower program fees to in-district residents, who support park and recreation services through property taxes.

To encourage more participation by out-of-district residents, THPRD is introducing an option that lets them choose to pay a 25% premium for each class taken, instead of the required assessment ($80 quarterly or $320 annually). This option will apply to all classes that begin after Jan. 1 as well as General Passes, Deluxe Passes, and drop-in activities.

“This new option removes a barrier to participation for families outside the district without compromising the benefits enjoyed by members of our tax base,” Hoffmeister said. “In fact, we believe our in-district residents will benefit as increased participation allows more classes to reach minimum enrollment.”

To further encourage out-of-district participation, THPRD has shortened the out-of-district registration moratorium to two days, from the previous six days. As a result, winter term registration for out-of-district registration begins Monday, Dec. 15.

New structure will standardize patron discounts by 2020

THPRD is also introducing a 10% discount for military personnel (including veterans) and dependent family members on Jan. 1.

“The idea of a discount for military personnel is one that has been discussed here at THPRD for a long time,” said Director of Planning Aisha Willits, who is overseeing implementation of the comprehensive plan update. “We are pleased to finally make it happen and honor them and their families for their service to our nation.”

In addition, the district will begin implementing a five-year schedule to standardize, at 10%, larger discounts currently provided to seniors, youth, and patrons with special needs. Reduction of current discounts will be carried out over a multiyear schedule.

“Our goal was to develop a policy consistent with what we’re seeing elsewhere in the parks and recreation industry,” Willits said. “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.”

The qualifying age for senior discounts will be adjusted to match the federally established Medicare/Social Security eligibility age. The eligibility age for discounts climbs to 58 on Jan. 1; it will increase to 62 in 2016 and to 65 in 2017. Changes will not affect the long-standing minimum age of 55 for participation in Elsie Stuhr Center programs.

Discounts are available only to in-district residents. They do not apply to certain services, primarily rentals or private lessons.

More complete details about the changes outlined here are included in THPRD’s 2015 winter/spring activities guide, which is online and available in print at park district facilities and other community sites.

About THPRD

Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning about 50 square miles and serving 230,000 residents in the greater Beaverton area. The district provides year-round recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Offerings include thousands of widely diverse classes, more than 90 park sites with active recreational amenities, 60 miles of trails, eight swim centers, six recreation centers, and 1,400 acres of natural areas. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call 503-645-6433.