Fees, hours set for Strode Center, dome

ABERDEEN, S.D.(Aberdeen Insider)- The parks board also approved fees for use of the Strode Center and dome. Both facilities are close to opening, and while that hasn’t happened yet, Wednesday’s meeting provided an opportunity to check out the facilities.

For now, the city is leasing the gym and dome from the Presentation Sisters. City Councilwoman Char Liebelt said the transaction will likely be finalized in January.

Recreation/Aquatics Supervisor Travis Lemer said two sporting events have already been booked inside the dome — a youth soccer tournament in early January and a baseball tournament in April.

Fees take into consideration public interest in using the spaces and the desire local groups have in renting the facilities. There will be more opportunities in the future to garner more rental revenue, he said.

The city estimates annual revenue from rentals will be $195,600, according to information passed out at the meeting.

Here’s how the fees break down:

  • Walking in the dome: $2 per visit or a $30 punch card for 30 visits.
  • Use of the Strode Center by individuals: $5 a day or a $50 punch card for 30 visits.

The $50 punch card will allow admission to the dome or Strode, Lemer said. Punch cards were chosen over a monthly membership fee, he said.

Rental fees for the facilities were also set. They include:

  • Dome rental: $250 per hour for the full dome, $175 per hour for half of the dome.
  • Batting change: $25 per hour.
  • Aerosol chalk: $15 per can.
  • Strode Center : $40 per court per hour. There are two courts.
  • Strode Center, full day: $1,000

Hours the public can use the facilities were also outlined.

Dome: From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays and from noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays. It would also be open for public use during times when it’s not otherwise rented for events.

Strode Center: Weight room from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, gym from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. Weight room and open gym from noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays. The gym will also be available for public use when it’s otherwise not rented.

Rentals for daylong tournaments could hinder the public use schedule. Both facilities will be closed Sundays unless they are rented for events.