Community Center Reports Busy Summer

Use of the Cheyenne County Community Center is changing, but Center Director Michael Namuth says participation in programs is strong.

Community Center staff are responsible for scheduling reservations of Legion Park facilities such as pavilions, gazebos and the Shelter House. He said with few exceptions, the Shelter House is full all summer. Pavilions on the north end of the park are the most popular. They also manage reservations for the Lodgepole Youth Camp

The Community Center also offers fishing gear for the lake at Legion Park, and discs for the disc golf park.  

Through the changes, he calls the 2017-2018 year "a very good year."

"Through our summer leagues, we have had pretty good participation," Namuth told the Sidney City Council Tuesday.

He said there is a decrease in adult participation in programs.

Some of the changes that are scheduled include changing third and fourth grade football to flag football and beginning tackle football in fifth grade.

Namuth said membership at the Community Center is down 25 to 30 percent. It is a trend that started last fall, a change he credits to changes with Cabela's. He added this is the first time in more than 30 years no one signed up for the adult softball league.

Namuth said there are decreases in the senior programs as well, due to members stepping down and fewer people stepping up to lead.

City Manager Ed Sadler said the trend may change with the increase of families and older adults moving to Sidney.

The City's contracted contribution of $120,000 goes to support of programs first, followed by offsetting the cost of programs, according to Namuth.

In other business, Finance Officer David Scott addressed the City's budget. He said he still expects the City to be over on property tax, about $10,000 to $15,000.

"It's going to be close," he said. "I firmly believe that."

He said the fees for service are on target.

In his report, City Manager Ed Sadler said the Northside Committee wants to pursue a curb and gutter project.

"It is our intention to bid out the sidewalk project," Sadler said.

"He said the project is expected to cost about $100,000, leaving about that much in the account.