City Considers Rec Program Discounts for Marine Families

If you're a Marine living on the north side of Camp Pendleton, you tell people you live in San Clemente, right?

Not so, technically, which means you have to pay out-of-town prices for the Aquatic Center at the Vista Hermosa Sports Park, recreational classes and other town amenities, said San Clemente Recreation Manager Pam Passow.

That's why the Beaches, Parks and Recreation Commission Tuesday voted to support a pilot program that would -- for the purpose of city parks and rec programs -- designate Camp Pendleton residents as San Clemente residents, and offer further discounts for military families.

Camp Pendleton offers lots of recreational opportunities, but most of them are on the south side of the base, Passow said. It can take moms and dads an hour to haul kids down there, given the speed limits and base infrastructure, she said.

"Most of the families would prefer to come to San Clemente," Passow said. "Most of the Marine families don't make a lot of money. Twenty-eight thousand, nine hundred dollars is the median income for a family."

In addition to conferring resident status to active military, the city would offer a scholarship, allowing Marine families to pay half-price for city recreational amenities. The city would cover $2,500 worth of the pilot program, while the Marine Corps Support Group would toss in another $2,500 to make up the difference of the discount.

Passow said the program would likely be a wash, budget wise, because though fees would be reduced, more people would sign up and pay dues for things like swim lessons and yoga classes.

"I don't think we'll make more money, but I don't think we'll lose money either," she said.