MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — The Mitchell Park and Recreation Board approved a 40% membership discount at the Mitchell Recreation Center for its own board members during its Feb. 19 meeting, passing the measure on a 3-2 vote.
The discount matches the rate offered to city employees, according to a report in the Mitchell Republic. Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Nelson told the board a similar discount had been extended in the past but had not been formally approved by the board.
Some members raised concerns about volunteers setting their own benefit. Board Vice President Dennis Thompson said he did not support the incentive “as a volunteer,” according to the report.
The board also approved fee updates for city sports facilities, including the Cadwell Sports Complex and the Mitchell Activities Center Ice Arena.
For Cadwell, the board set a $200 per-game rate for non-Mitchell teams to use the Cadwell baseball diamond. For diamonds not at Drake Field or Cadwell, non-Mitchell teams will pay $40 for the first game and $20 per game after the first game.
Ice sheet rental fees for the Mitchell Skating and Hockey Association were increased by $2 per hour and $1 per person. The report said the changes result in $24 per athlete (ages 13 and up), $14 per athlete (ages 12 and under), and an $83 per-hour ice rental fee.
The board also approved multiple facility and concession agreements with local organizations, including a lease through 2035 with the Mitchell Exchange Club for the Cadwell Stadium concession stand.