Annual membership costs at Brunswick Recreation Center increase for the first time in seven years

BRUNSWICK — The cost for an annual membership at the Brunswick Recreation Center is 5 percent higher in 2026 than it was in 2025. In December, Brunswick City Council passed a motion that allowed the rec center to increase annual membership pricing effective Jan. 1 because of increasing operational costs. The last increase in annual membership costs was effective January 2019. The following is now the cost of a full-price membership: An annual family membership is $490 for residents, $563 for those in the Brunswick Schools district or a Brunswick business and $920 for a nonresident. An annual 1 parent family membership is $380 for residents, $430 for those in Brunswick Schools district or a Brunswick business and $688 for a non-resident. An annual individual membership is $292 for residents, $342 for those in the Brunswick City School District or a Brunswick business and $502 for a nonresident. Annual memberships for those 60 and older or 15 and younger is $138 for residents, $154 for those in Brunswick Schools district or a Brunswick business and $265 for a nonresident. The daily visit price also increased from $5 to $7 a visit for youths and seniors and from $7 to $10 a visit for those between the ages of 16 and 59 years old. Identification, such as a driver's license, is needed to visit the facility. Parks and Recreation Director Taylor Petkovsek said that in the last seven years, there have been building improvements like redoing the gym floor, upgrading four rooftop HVAC systems and putting the rec center on a building automation system to better control temperature. Pool equipment and fitness equipment like treadmills, elliptical bikes and free weights have also been updated. "16 and older (members) have access to the entire facility: the track, pool, basketball gymnasium, hot tub, saunas, all the cardio equipment and weight equipment," she said. "You also get priority on swimming lesson offerings and discounts on private and regular swimming lessons." Rec center members get a discounted rate on birthday party rentals and room rentals as well, Petkovsek said. Summer camp program participants also have to have an annual membership. "Our next 50 percent off sale is going to be Feb. 14 through Feb. 28, and that would be the next opportunity to get the annual membership at a discount," she said. "The last (discount) opportunity before summer camp starts would be our sale in May, which will be May 1 through May 15." Memberships are processed at the front desk of the facility at 3637 Center Road, Petkovsek said. Brunswick residents and those within the school district boundaries need to provide proof of residency to sign up for a membership. "We take utility bills that are paid within the last three months, but we don't accept driver's licenses unless they were issued in that three-month time period," she said. "We have a short one-page application to fill out, and the staff at the rec center can help process those memberships." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.