While the lull between programs, camps and classes can be a nice reprieve from the usual flurry of members flitting about facilities to work out, attend classes and enjoy everything your rec center has to offer, it can be a bit daunting to figure out what to do to fill in that time and earn more revenue that helps support the community.
Are you struggling to think of great ideas to fill in the gaps? Read on to discover some helpful suggestions to earn extra revenue during down times at your recreational facilities.
Party Rentals
Open your facilities up to be rented out for parties and events of any kind—corporate gatherings, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations and more. If your facility has the space, open it up to members of your community to rent! Make sure to include chairs, tables and other equipment that might be needed to put on a smooth event.
Are there local vendors that have things like party supplies and services who also happen to have the proper permits within your city? Include them on your rec center’s facility rental reservation site and brochures. The goal is to make it as easy as possible for potential guests to throw a party at your facility, so why not suggest properly permitted party vendors while also supporting small businesses and boosting the local economy.
Remember, you don’t just have to rent your facilities out for parties. You can host a myriad of events that utilize all aspects of your rec center. Host tournaments (basketball, dodgeball, nerf gun battles), bake offs and more. You are only limited by your imagination, so go wild! Think outside of the box.
Partner With Schools
Perhaps schools within your community don’t have the space they need to do a specific activity, or maybe they need a great place to go on a field trip. Offer to be the location they go to for whatever they might need. Host a fun Olympic-themed event around the winter-Olympics, host the school’s annual field day or just be where they go for any kind of sports-related tournament.
Learn what your local schools’ needs are by reaching out to those within your community to discover how your facilities can support them.
Movie Nights
Family movie nights, date night movies or even film festivals are always a great hit with the community. There are multiple ways in which you can set up your facility to host a movie night, but the most popular way would be to host a family movie night where kids are allowed to be up and moving, and parents can take it easy knowing they don’t have to be overly worried about the fact that their child might be a little on the loud side.
If you’re hosting a movie night inside or outside, allow families to bring blankets and pillows to get comfy, offer concessions and even create fun little cardboard cars so the kids can feel like they’re at a drive in.
If you’re hosting a date night or a parents night out, offer adult beverages and maybe up the concessions game to an actual catered dinner. Parents will love it because the price of admission will be significantly cheaper than going to an actual movie theater.
Ask Your Community
One of the best and easiest ways to help you figure out how to utilize rec center space during non-programming times is to reach out to your community and ask residents about the activities and events they would want to participate in. Call them, text them, poll them on Facebook or Instagram, send them an email or just ask them when they come to the front desk. Your community members are brimming with great ideas that can help make your rec center a great place to visit, even during the quieter times between programs.
ACTIVENet Offers the Complete Solution
Save time and focus more on your community with a premier recreation management solution that will set your parks and recreation department up for success. ACTIVENet has everything you need to ensure that you’re utilizing your facilities to their fullest while providing great services to your community. Connect with us today to take your organization to the next level!
