This one-time report from the Utah Taxpayers Association studies the operating costs of six public recreation centers in the state: three run by a recreation district, and three run by cities.
The data shows that, for the most part, recreation centers are not profitable, but rather cost taxpayers significant amounts of money every year in operational subsidies and bond payments. The fact that recreation centers can rely on public funds for support may disincentivize taking tough steps to run them profitably.
The Utah Taxpayers Association has long opposed the construction and operation of public recreation centers on the basis that they can become a significant burden on taxpayers for capital, operation and maintenance costs.
This report does not seek to dispute the merits of recreation centers or their perceived need; rather, it seeks to highlight the extent to which these facilities cost taxpayers.
