OREM — The Orem Fitness Center is beefing up amenities and slimming down programs for the low-income users.
A few years ago an anonymous donor gave the center $1 million, and renovations are in the works.
At the same time, a decrease in federal funds is hurting low-income recreational programs.
Manager Lissy Sanders said the funding for such programs hit its lowest point last month, and without more funding, the center must decrease the scope of the programs.
"This is definitely the lowest amount we've ever been allotted," Sanders said. The money to pay for center memberships, swim lessons and sports programs comes from federal community development block grant funding.
The CDBG committee recommended and the City Council approved $3,000 instead of the $20,000 for which the center asked.
The city has thousands of dollars less in federal block grant funds.
Members of the CDBG committee told the City Council that they had considered not giving the center any funding, but they felt it was important enough to provide something.
The center can't make up the difference, Sanders said, adding that "We just simply won't be able to offer that to as many families," she said.
Operating revenues typically comes entirely from membership fees and daily admissions. Between 1,000 and 1,200 people use the center daily.