Agenda - 12-01-2008 - 4c - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: December 1, 2008 Action Agen a Item No. -G SUBJECT: Proposed Fee Structure for a Senior Center SportsPlex Membership and Fee Increase for the Fitness Studio at Seymour Center DEPARTMENT: Department on Aging PUBIC HEARING: (Y/N) No ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Jerry Passmore, (919) 245-2009 Janice Tyler, (919) 968-2071 Donna Coffey, (919) 245-2151 Pam Jones, (919) 245-2650 PURPOSE: To consider approval of a fee structure between the Central Orange Senior Center and the SportsPlex for seniors (55+) and couples and a rate increase at the Seymour Center Fitness-Equipment Studio. BACKGROUND: Since the Department on Aging`s Wellness Program began in 1997, there has always been a fee for service for the group exercise classes to cover the costs of paid certified fitness instructors. The Department on Aging has provided scholarships with limited United Way dollars to bridge the gap in service provision for those who cannot afford to pay the requested fees in order that all older persons have access to senior center services. Since the early planning stages of the new Central Orange Senior Center, it has been the request by citizens to negotiate a senior membership plan with the SportsPlex comparable to that of the Seymour Fitness Studio. A plan for the Seymour Center's Fitness studio was approved by the BOCC in fall of 2007 and implemented in January 2008. In order to use the fitness exercise machines at the Seymour Center, it is a requirement that all interested participants complete an initial physical function screen at the senior center. This test is currently offered at both the Seymour Center and Central Orange Senior Center on a regular basis by local physical therapists. The test results provide a functional baseline for participants to indicate the fitness equipment or exercise classes that would be most beneficial to them. Since Spring of 2007, the County has screened 366 participants and currently has 107 participating members, with 17 on some form of the scholarship program for the fitness room. The number of participant screens reflect the tremendous interest in using the fitness equipment studio as well as the desire to know their functional levels before starting their fitness programs.