As the Community Building is set to close to the general public in January, city staff members have estimated that it would cost $18,000 to open the building for kids up to age 17 to use for about 12 hours per week.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Fees to access City of Lawrence recreation centers will go into effect in January. The city on Wednesday released more information about the fees and announced upcoming info sessions.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
A lot of people recall a promise from the city that when Sports Pavilion Lawrence opened, it would forever be free to use. But a dozen years later, there appears to be no solid proof that such a pledge was made, and fees are set to go into effect in January.
Tom Harper/Lawrence Times
The City of Lawrence asked for $1,680 and 30 days to fulfill an open record request seeking information about Sports Pavilion Lawrence’s revenue and expenses.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
The City of Lawrence’s Community Building will no longer be available for free play and exercise starting in January, and rec centers will not be open for warming and cooling during extreme weather.
The Lawrence Parks and Recreation Advisory Board tabled conversations about rec center fee implementation and Outdoor Aquatic Center renovations after the October monthly meeting was canceled.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Despite concerns voiced by community members, Lawrence city commissioners voted to approve a budget that will include fees for residents to use rec centers, take a fire engine offline and increase the property tax rate.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday will likely decide how much city property taxes will increase and how much to charge residents to use the rec centers.
Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday heard from dozens about the 2026 budget, which will raise property taxes. They asked to add items during a conversation reminiscent of others in recent months, but now final budget approval is coming in two weeks.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
A longtime member of Lawrence’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board has stepped down, citing among many concerns that she felt the board’s recommendation against the city charging fees to use rec centers has been effectively buried.
