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1. How do I address the Emporia Recreation Commission Board at a monthly meeting?

The Emporia Recreation Commissions holds public board meetings the 3rd Monday of every month at 5:30pm.  Meetings are held at the Lee Beran Recreation Center at 313 W. 4th Ave. If you wish to address the board, you are asked to fill out a public comment card before the start of the meeting and give it to the Clerk of the Board to be included in the agenda.  

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1. At what age can I start working for the Emporia Recreation Commission?

Seasonal Lifeguards for the Jones Aquatic Center can be age 15 and up as long as they are certified.

The ERC Admin, Sports and Wellness hires ages 16 and up.

ERC Programs hires ages 18 and up only for our children's day camp programs.

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1. How do I rent the Emporia Recreation Center after hours?

After Hours Facility Rental

• Rental Fees with Indoor Pool: 
  • 3- hour facility rental/3-hour indoor pool rental: $365.00
  •  3-hour facility rental/2-hour indoor pool rental: $325.00
• Rental Fees without Indoor Pool:
  • 3-hour facility rental/no indoor pool rental: $250.00

Our online Rental Request form (see link below) must be filled out prior to reservation confirmation.  $100.00 deposit required for reservation.  Deposit will apply to final balance.

Full Facility Rental Request Form

Rental request forms must be completed and deposit received (4) weeks prior to rental date. ERC requires (10) days to confirm rental request. Signed contract and payment in full is due two weeks prior to rental date. All cancellations within two weeks of your rental date will result in loss of deposit. Rental is only available after-hours and will be based on facility and staff availability. ERC programs have first priority. All rental rules apply. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed.

2. How do I rent a park shelter house?

All parks are owned by the City of Emporia and are administrated by the Parks Department. You can contact them by calling 620-341-4365.

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1. What is Emporia Recreation Commission's relationship to the Emporia School District and the City of Emporia?

The Emporia Recreation Commission was formed by Emporia voters as a joint recreation commission in 1953 to provide local recreation programs for the youth of Emporia under the auspices of the Emporia School Board. The ERC is, however, a separate entity, although the Emporia Board of Education has authority over the ERC budget.

A five-member Commission, comprised of community members and elected officials are appointed by the Board of Education and the City Commission, sets policy for the ERC. One citizen is appointed from each governing body, and one is at-large. All members serve four year terms, without compensation.

USD 253 Appointments

• 1 USD School Board Member (4 Year Term)
• 1 USD Citizen Appointee (4 Year Term)

City of Emporia Appointments

• 1 City Commission Member (4 Year Term)
• 1 City Citizen Appointee (4 Year Term)

Emporia Recreation Commission Appointments

• 1 At-Large Appointee (4 Year Term)

2. How is the Emporia Recreation Commission funded?

ERC is funded through a variety of sources which include: 

• Property taxes
• Donations
• Sponsorships
• User fees

In 2010, the USD 253 School Board approved ERC to increase its mill levy up to 4 additional mills to be used for:

• Care and upkeep of the Lee Beran Recreation Center facility (i.e. Emporia Recreation Center) and the city-owned athletic facilities managed by the ERC
• Maintaining and improving recreation programs
• Funding improvements for recreational facilities

From 2012 thru 2015, the Emporia Recreation Commission levied only 2.5 additional mills out of the 4 mill increase. In 2016, the ERC levied the remaining 1.5 mills to continue maintaining and improving the city-owned ball fields and facilities managed and programmed by the Lee Beran Recreation Center. 

The FY 2021 / 2022 Budget identifies that 62% of the budget is derived from taxes and 39% from self-sustaining funds. Tax revenues pay for facility-related expenses only while adult recreation programs are supported by user fees and non-tax revenues, youth programs are supported by user fees and non-tax revenues, and in some instances are partially subsidized by tax revenues from our Youth Fee Scholarship Program.

3. Of my total property tax bill, what portion goes to ERC?

Approximately 4.8% of your property tax bill goes to the Emporia Recreation Commission.

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1. Why are some activities not eligible for the youth free/reduced program?

Programs that require the ERC to contract with an outside instructor are not included in the ERC Youth Fee Waiver Scholarship program.  This is why we rely heavily on volunteer coaches and instructors to help execute our youth programs.  If you are interested in volunteering to be part of the Youth Sports Experience, contact our office at 620-340-6300.

2. What is your credit/refund procedure?

ERC Credit/Refund Procedure

• No credits or refunds will be issued after the activity/program registration close date. If a registrant cancels prior to the close date, a credit will be issued back to registrant’s account. If an activity is cancelled by the Emporia Recreation Commission, a credit will automatically be issued to the registrant’s account.
• If you prefer a refund, you may request one within 30 days of the account credit date. To request a refund, email sdreasher@emporiarec.org or call 620-340-6300. All approved refund requests will be issued based to original payment-type. No exceptions. Credit card payments will be credited back to the original card within 3-5 business days of request. All check/cash payments will be issued a refund check.

Refund checks will be issued and mailed upon Board approval.

Exception for Youth Sports Only (excludes 3rd party camps/clinics/programs):

• Registrants can cancel a youth sports activity up to the first meeting date/practice/session (depending on the activity) and still receive a credit to registrant’s account. No refunds will be allowed after the registration close date.
• Credits after the first meeting date will be at the discretion of the Sports Supervisor.

The Emporia Recreation Center reserves the right to combine activity sessions as needed. The ERC will contact you if an activity is combined. You must notify ERC staff or contact the ERC office to transfer activities or receive credit if you cannot participate in the combined activity session.

 Credits cannot be transferred across accounts but can be used for any registrants under your account. Credits will automatically be applied to your next registration. ERC cannot hold credits.

3. How can I hold a spot in an activity for my child?

Payment is required in order to insure a spot for your child in any activity/program.  You can enroll online, call 620-340-6300 to register over the phone or visit the office Monday - Friday, 8:00a.m.-5:00pm.

4. How do I know if an activity is cancelled or rained out?

Emporia Rec. Center will update their hotline and Facebook page to show cancellations/rain-outs.  

Hotline # (620) 340-6399

5. How do I get copies of my tax receipts?

If you have registered your child for any programs at the ERC, you have an account already set up in our system.  Use the email that you provided at registration to begin logging into your account.  Follow the video below, for step by step instructions.

How to get your tax receipts

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1. How do I create a Sign Up Genius Account?

*We highly recommend you use a computer, tablet or laptop for sign-up.*

1. From emporiarec.org Aquatics Fitness Class page, click on your class Sign Up link. This will take you to another website called Sign Up Genius.
2. Click the “Create A Sign Up” button at the top of the page.
3. Follow the instructions to create an account. Make sure to write down you email log in and password for future use.
4. When complete, check your email and find the verification email sent from Sign Up Genius.
5. Follow the instructions in the email to verify your Sign Up Genius account.
6. Log-in using your email log-in and password and check the boxes next to dates and times available for your class.
7. Check your email for confirmation of dates and times.
8. Please make sure to cancel your times if you are unable to attend.

Click for a video on how to create a Sign-Up Genius Account

2. How do I cancel a sign up on Sign Up Genius?

1. Log-in to your Sign Up Genius account.
2. Select “Sign Ups” Icon on left side of screen.
3. Select “Calendar View” from the tab bar.
4. Select the date and class you would like to cancel.
5. A pop-up box should appear. Then, select “Delete.”
6. A second box will appear. Then, select “Yes, Delete.”

OR

1. Log-in to your Sign Up Genius account.
2. Select “Sign Ups” icon on the left side of your screen.
3. Select “Invited to” from tab bar.
4. Under Action tab, select either the pencil (edit) or X (delete) icon.
5. Make changes or delete date.

3. How do I find the sign up times for Aquatics?

Currently, lap swim is the only program requiring sign-up.  Go to emporiarec.org and click the Indoor Pool page.  Lap swim will have a link to Sign-Up Genius.

4. Can my child come to an aquatic fitness class with me?

Children can participate in appropriate aqua classes as long as they can swim unsupported and follow all rules.  If sign-up is required for a class, children must be included in sign-up.

5. How many laps is a mile?

35 laps=1 mile. Down and back is 1 lap. 

6. How do I know what level to put my child in for swim lessons?

For each type of swim lesson category, we break down into age groups. If your child excels or is struggling in a certain level, our swim lesson teachers can modify their lessons to match your child's level of swimming. 

Parent and Child Lessons: Ages 6 months-3 years old

Preschool Levels 1-3: Ages 4-5 years old

Levels 1 & 2/Private Lessons: Ages 5 & up

7. How long are swim lessons?

Swim lessons depending on the level are from 20-30 minutes in length for their lesson. 

8. If it is raining and storming outside, how will I know if the pool is opened or closed?

Please contact the Emporia Recreation Center at (620)-340-6300, check our website www.emporiarec.org or Facebook page.

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1. How do I know if an activity is cancelled or rained out?

Emporia Rec. Center will update the website with cancellations and time changes.

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1. What size football jersey does my child need?

One size larger than your normal t-shirt size.

2. When will I be contacted by my coach?

Coaches will contact players after the coaches meeting. 

3. How do I know if an activity is cancelled or rained out?

Emporia Rec. Center will update their hotline and Facebook page to show cancellations/rain-outs.  

Hotline # (620) 340-6399

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1. How do I get my tax receipt for daycare fees paid?

Tax receipts can be printed from your CivicRec account.  The link below will take you to our CivicRec catalog and Account log-in page.  Once you are in your account you can access current and past year's tax receipts. https://secure.rec1.com/KS/emporia-ks/catalog

Emporia Recreation Center's Tax Id: 48-6084430

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1. How do I find out if swim lessons are cancelled?

We will update our rainout hotline (620) 412-2111 and website regarding swim lesson cancellations.  

Please note that we still could hold swim lessons during rain.

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1. What size football jersey does my child need?

Football jerseys are designed to fit over shoulder pads, We recommend one size larger than your normal t-shirt size.

2. When will I be contacted by my coach?

Please check your receipt or our website, www.emporiarec.org for information regarding when coaches meetings are held and when to expect a phone call.  If you have not received a phone call, please contact the office at (620) 340-6300.

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1. How old do I need to be to use the Wellness Center?

12 years old with an adult working out with the child.

14 years old without an adult.

2. If I have a membership, can I use the indoor pool?

Your Membership includes use of our Wellness Center, walking track, open gym, fitness studio along with access to aquatic and fitness classes.

3. Can I still workout if I forget my scan card?

Yes, a fitness room worker can help log in!  There is a $3.00 replacement fee for lost/misplaced scan cards.

4. How do I listen to the TVS in the fitness room?

Some of our equipment will have you plug your head set directly into the machine.  

The ERC Wellness Center has recently updated the audio system to a new product, AudioFetch.  AudioFetch streams real-time TV audio to iPhone and Android smartphones and tablets, helping people hear exactly what they want wherever they are located in the Wellness Center.

ERC guests simply connect to the ERC Guest Wifi, Accept the Terms of Use, Download the FREE AudioFetch App and listen live.  All eight TVs located in the Cardio Area are accessible through the AudioFetch App, making the live audio available to patrons without being tethered to one piece of equipment.  

Guests do need to provide their own wireless headphones or ear pieces along with their personal smartphone or tablet.