Parma, Seven Hills agree to share recreation facilities

6/5/2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2012

Contacts:
Jeannie Roberts: (440) 885-8181
Mickey Vittardi: (440) 885-8145
Jen Burger: (216) 524-6262 x 401

PARMA, Ohio -- Parma and Seven Hills residents can significantly expand their recreation options at affordable prices, thanks to the two communities approving an agreement to share recreational facilities. Seven Hills approved the agreement on Tuesday, May 29; Parma City Council followed suit on Monday night.

The new policies allow Parma residents to use the Seven Hills Community Recreation Center for reduced prices and Seven Hills residents to use Parma’s ice rink, outdoor pools and Ridgewood Golf Course at reduced fees.

New rates will be effective immediately; mayors Tim DeGeeter of Parma and Richard Dell’Aquila of Seven Hills will take part in a ceremonial signing of the agreement on June 11 at 11:30 a.m. at the Seven Hills Community Recreation Center, located at 7777 Summitview Drive.

“This agreement will help enhance the quality of life of our residents as we look for ways to collaborate with our neighbors,” said DeGeeter. “This is a real win for residents of both Parma and Seven Hills – it underscores the commitment that we all share toward enhancing the quality of life for our residents through collaborative agreements.”

Approved rates will immediately apply to Parma residents who become new members of the Seven Hills Recreation Center. Parma residents who are already members at Seven Hills Recreation Center will receive a 15% discount off of the non-resident rate they are paying and will receive two free guest passes – a $20 value - for the remainder of 2012.

All Seven Hills residents are eligible for discounted rates at various facilities - outdoor pools, golf course, ice rink - offered by the City of Parma, a benefit that DeGeeter pointed out will boost the city with increased revenues at those facilities.

Parma Recreation Director Mickey Vittardi is pleased that the agreement expands opportunities for residents of both communities. “We are always looking for ways in which we can offer more to our residents,” he said. “This agreement is significant because we don’t have a rec center in Parma, and now we have one immediately available to our residents at reduced prices. We are proud of the cooperative effort on both sides of the table.”

Said Seven Hills Recreation Director Jen Burger: “The Seven Hills Community Recreation Center is excited to work together with the Parma Recreation Department on a wonderful, healthy opportunity. This agreement gives benefit to both cities, offering amenities in health, education, and of course, community. We see this as a collaboration enhancing our current offerings for residents, while extending the hand of health to our neighbors in Parma. We look forward to the opportunity for our communities to grow together.”

For full fee details, please call the Parma Recreation Department at 440-885-8144 or Seven Hills Recreation Department at 216-524-6262.