Villa Park commissioners discuss offering veterans the resident rate for gym and pool memberships

The Villa Park Recreation Commission discussed whether to extend the village’s resident veteran rate to nonresidents for open gym and facility memberships and asked staff to research precedent, confirm website language and collect community feedback before deciding.

Staff described the current pricing structure: track-only memberships are listed at $35 for residents and $60 for nonresidents (the nonresident rate currently covers seniors, veterans and active military), and annual fitness-center memberships are $200 for residents and $300 for nonresidents. Commissioners said staff should update the website so membership tables clearly show veteran and military pricing and check whether other nearby park districts offer similar nonresident accommodations.

The idea originated from a part-time staff member’s suggestion that veterans might be granted the resident rate even if they do not live in Villa Park. Commissioners and staff discussed related resources: they noted the regional special-recreation association offers programs and some assistance that can help veterans pay for memberships and will investigate referral or partnership options.

Decision and follow-up: Commissioners agreed to table a formal decision and bring the item back at the next meeting after approximately a month of outreach and research. Staff will look up comparable policies in nearby park districts, verify exact pricing and website displays, and report membership figures and community feedback at the next meeting.