Changes in programming, hours and use by nonresidents may be in store at Bethel Park's community center.

The issues were brought up at Monday night's Bethel Park council committee meeting.

Most of the conversation was about people who do not live in town using the center. Women representing the center's ladies' volleyball team questioned nonresidents' free use of the gym versus their rising program fees.

"During open nights, there's a lot of nonmembers, nonresidents using our facilities. In fact, there's a whole lot," said Kristy Lewis, speaking for the group. "So if [raising program fees] is a cost containment or cost revenue thing, why are we not charging nonresidents to use our facilities?"

Council President Tim Moury said resident/nonresident use has been monitored since the facility opened last year. The center has a voluntary sign in sheet for people using the gym and track.

"What we've determined is the nonresidents [use] is a small percentage. It seems like we have people from outside Bethel Park using our gym and walking track during the week," Mr. Moury said.

He estimated the amount of nonresident use at about 15 percent of overall use but no figures were given. "So what we're looking to do is possibly expand our programs to occupy more of the gym time and it may also cause a slight reduction in just simply open gym," he said.

The gym and walking track are free during open gym time. Recreation programs have fees which are higher for nonresidents than for those living in Bethel Park.

He said council has examined the membership card program that is used in neighboring Peters and Upper St. Clair. But council is concerned about the cost of implementing one in Bethel Park.

"If you're going to have membership cards, you have to have additional people to monitor everyone who comes in and out," Mr. Moury said.

"We've looked at other communities and what they've done. There's no easy way."

Mr. Moury said he'd ask the recreation board to report back with ideas next month.

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