The Derry Township Community Center (DTCC) membership fees include the use of the fitness center, participation in select group exercise classes, gymnasium, activity lounge, indoor lap pool, indoor leisure pool, outdoor pool, and spray ground. Unfortunately, Aquacise classes are an additional charge to membership fees and participants must pay an extra $5 per class. Additionally, DTCC lacks diversity in the crucial insurance plans they accept that allow financial accessibility to participants who would otherwise not be able to participate.

We are calling for Derry Township Community Center to eliminate the fees associated with Aquacise classes. These classes should be included in membership and should not be an additional charge.

When asked why aquacise classes are more costly, the Director of Derry Township Parks and Recreation stated, "As I am sure you are aware, pools are extremely expensive to construct, maintain, and staff. Unfortunately, we do have to charge a nominal fee for these programs in an attempt to try and offset these costs. The Township engaged the services of a consultant to make fee recommendations that will make our center economically viable, and the current aquatic programming fees were included as part of those recommendations."

It's unacceptable to charge for aquacise classes under the guise of "pools are extremely expensive," because members are allowed the use of the pool for lap swimming, water walking, and other aquatic exercises.

An article published October 27, 2022, in The Sun shares that the new Derry Township Community Center is more than adequately covering expenses with a $1.2 million surplus. Charging for aquacise classes is unacceptable, especially when it disproportionately impacts participants aged 55+ who can only exercise in water through these aquacise classes.

Signing this petition supports aquacise classes to be included in membership costs.