CPW collected background information and participation statistics from local recreation providers to assess Canby’s organized recreation opportunities and their demand. Two recreation centers and two organizations provide the majority of organized recreation opportunities to Canby-area residents.  These facilities and organizations are:  

• Canby Swim Center

• Canby Adult Center

• Canby Kids, Inc.

• Canby Community School

Each offers a myriad of activities, serving community members of all ages and abilities.  Although the Canby Swim Center is the only recreation provider completely funded by the city, the Canby Adult Center facility is maintained by city staff, and Canby Kids and Canby Community School have been partially supported by an annual grant provided by the City of Canby , depending upon funding availability.     

CPW collected background information on recreation activities and participation rates from the four major providers of recreation opportunities in the Canby area.  The form of these participation rates vary, as each facility and organization follows a different fiscal year for record keeping, and adheres to fluctuating levels of detail.  Current participation rates were analyzed to determine which activities attract the most participants.  Current rates were also compared with previous year’s rates, where available, to determine participation trends.  Finally, participation fees were analyzed.

A summary of recreation opportunities and participation rates from the four recreation facilities and organizations are presented below. 

Canby Swim Center , the only public pool in the community, offers a variety of activities for swimmers of all levels.  During the 1996 fiscal year, the facility was open seven days a week.  Total participation rates increased between 1995 and 1996 by 8 percent, indicating a growing demand for Swim Center services. Table 4-1 illustrates participation rates for Canby Swim Center for fiscal years 1995 and 1996.

Activity	1995	1996	AARG*
Swimming Lessons	25,824	30,235	17%
Lap Swim	8,354	9,079	9%
Recreation Swimming	21,970	21,646	-1%
Swim Team Practice	9,901	11,622	17%
Swim Meets	1,098	740	-33%
Water Exercise	3,144	1,853	-41%
Groups/Rentals	3,629	4,744	31%
Migrant Ed.	395	0
Water Polo	15	0
Total Attendance	74,330	79,919	8%

Swimming lessons capture the highest participation rates of any activity offered at the Swim Center .  There was a 17 percent increase in persons taking swimming lessons between 1995 and 1996.  School swim lessons occur from November through May.  Afternoon lessons are offered in April and May.  Morning lessons and parent/child lessons run from June through October.  Evening lessons are offered year-round, and have peak participation rates during the summer months.    

The Swim Center offers three lap swimming sessions each day: morning, afternoon and evening.  While participation rates for lap swimming are fairly steady throughout the year, overall participation increased by 9 percent between 1995 and 1996.

Three recreation swims are offered daily at the Canby Swim Center , in the morning, afternoon, and evening.  This is one of the most popular activities at the Swim Center .  During 1995 and 1996, an average of over 1,800 people per month participated in recreation swims.  Participation rates are fairly steady most of the year, except during June, July and August when they increase significantly.

Several local swim teams practice at the Swim Center , including Canby High School and the Canby Swim Club. The high school teams practice from November through February, while the Canby Swim Club practices from April through September, avoiding overlap.  Swim meets are held at the Swim Center from December through February.

Water exercise classes are held twice daily.  In 1995, approximately 3,144 people participated in this activity, while only 1,853 participated in 1996.  This decrease in participation occurred because water exercise hours were changed to facilitate more time for swim lessons.

The Canby Swim Center is available to groups and rentals year-round.  The participation rate is fairly steady for these events.  In 1995, the Swim Center offered migrant education and water polo sessions, accounting for 395 and 15 participants respectively.  Although the migrant education classes were discontinued in 1996, they will be offered again in 1997.  The water polo sessions did not draw enough participants to warrant continuation.  

The Canby Adult Center is a multi-purpose facility primarily serving senior adults.  The center’s facilities are open to the community at large (regardless of age), while its services are available for those over the age of 55.  Services include classes, workshops, health clinics, business and legal services, transportation and meals, entertainment, referral services, and outreach.  (See Chapter 3, Park and Recreation Facility Inventory, for more detail.)  

The Canby Adult Center collects participation rates for its nutrition programs, client services, transportation and other center uses.  Rates are collected from July through June.  The suggested donation for meals is $2.50 for those over 60, and $3.75 for those under 60.  However, no one over 60 years of age will be denied a meal. 

Canby Kids, Inc. is a non-profit volunteer organization founded in 1975 to provide opportunities for year-round recreational team sports for Canby’s youth.  Over 500 volunteers, including parents, coaches and other community members collaborate with local government, school districts and the business community to offer competition in baseball, softball, soccer, football, and basketball to approximately 2400 participants.   

Each baseball and softball team plays approximately 13 games, not including tournaments. Soccer teams play approximately two games per week during the season.  Approximately 13 children play on each team.  

Canby Kids uses both City and Canby School District sports fields. Softball games are played at Maple Street Park and Canby High School. Baseball games occur at William Knight Elementary School, Howard Eccles Elementary School, and the Lee Campus of Ackerman Middle School. Soccer games are played at Maple Street Park, as well as at all local schools with appropriate fields. Football and basketball games are played at local schools.  

Canby Community Education (formerly Canby Community School)  

Canby Community Education provides educational and recreational program opportunities for residents of all ages throughout the Canby community. Funded by fees and some in kind help from Canby School District, the Community Education program  shares its service boundary with the school district.  It has a goal of serving diverse interests through education, recreation and cultural arts. 

Canby Community Education’s programs are conducted at 26 locations within and outside of the Canby area, including school district grounds and facilities, City parks, Molalla River State Park, Canby Public Library, local churches, local golf courses and the Lloyd Center Ice Rink.

Tuition and fees for Canby Community School programs are based on the duration of the course, materials supplied and complexity of the topic. 

Findings  

Canby residents of all ages and abilities have a variety of organized recreational opportunities available to them. While participation fees have increased in recent years, participation rates have also increased for most programs and activities.  This shows a strong demand for organized recreational opportunities in Canby. 

The City and other recreation providers should keep in mind equity considerations when setting fees, by providing affordable participation on a sliding scale or as scholarships, for residents less able to pay. The Adult Center is the only recreation provider which currently has sliding-scale participation fees.  

Last Update 01/03/2003