Kodiak parks fees rise to $6 a session for adult swimming, skating and racquetball

Adults now pay $6 a session to swim, skate at the Wamwik Park ice rink or play an hour of racquetball at the Teen Center, up from $5, under a fee schedule the Kodiak City Council adopted 5-0 on July 23. The new rates took effect Aug. 1. Students and seniors pay $3, up from $2. Infant pool fees stayed the same.

The Parks and Recreation Department brings in just over $200,000 a year. The increases are estimated to add $40,000 to $55,000, according to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board's draft June 16 minutes. Director Heather Bolen told the board rates hadn't seen a comprehensive increase in about seven to eight years.

The advisory board voted 5-0 to recommend the youth and senior rate of $3 and an adult rate of $6, lower than the $8 originally proposed. Board member Natura Richardson said high prices are affecting everyone and thanked the city for working to keep Kodiak livable.

Adult softball league fees rose from $200 to $250 per team, and Class A and Open basketball fees rose from $450 to $500.