Locations to hold group training

[Smash]

I've posted this question on other threads but I thought I would go ahead and start a new thread.

I'm having a very hard time finding places to start group training outdoors. I know that many people hold group training at parks but the parks around here want $35 per hour (per day!) so I don't see how I would be able to make much money with them taking 40% - 60% of my revenue.

Last week we did a free group training "trial" so that we could work out the kinks (like some here on the forum have suggested) and it went well. I really feel like we could start a paid group session but I can't find a place to hold it.

Anyone have any suggestions?

[Jean-Paul]

I think you could probably successfully fight the city boards that want to charge people for exercising in a public park... If they did something like that here in Little Rock it would evoke so much outrage from the public that they would have to quickly reverse their decision.

You don't necessarily need a park though... A baseball diamond or football field (not in use by a team) would be ideal. One of my favorite spots to do early morning camps was a baseball diamond (in the outfield area).

Point is, don't limit yourself... Any open field will do the trick.

[Smash]

Thanks for the quick reply. I love this site!

You are right...a park isn't necessary. Actually, last week we just held the group training in the parking lot cuz the field we were going to do it in was locked the first morning. It really worked out well.

I've read on other posts that maybe a small church would work. I've tried calling 4 or 5 with no luck but I guess I just need to keep pursuing that. This "starting up a business" thing is 10 times harder than I thought.

Any other thoughts?

[Jean-Paul]

Even a large back yard would do.

What other issues are you having? That might be a topic for new threads so we can keep this one on topic. I've had a lot of experience in this field.

[Smash]

I'm researching now when the next county board meeting is. I am going to propose that they give discounts to those who buy more time at the park. A county should be business friendly (IMO).

The way they see it if you want to rent a pavilion for a birthday party then it is $35 /hour (two hour min). People might do this once or twice a year. But why not give bulk discounts:
A price break could be set for people that rent the facilities often:
If someone bought 2 hours / month then rent to them for $35 / hour
If someone bought 5 hours / month then rent to them for $30 / hour
10 hours / month then $25 / hour
20 hours / month then $ 20 / hour
40+ hours / month then $10 / hour

What do you think about going to the board with this proposal?

Also, I'm curious how much parks in your (anyone reading this please respond) area charge for use like this? I need all the facts I can get before I go before the county board to ask for a discount.

[Jean-Paul]

Maybe you could pull some stats on obesity and related health issues (like type II diabetes) in your area and show how communities (like yours) that penalize opportunities for the population to get healthy tend to have higher obesity and actually cost much more in terms of health care. If anything, the city/county should be PAYING YOU. It's absolutely ridiculous that they want to charge you to conduct group exercises in a public park.

[LisaS]

Just thinking out loud here.
Are you renting the pavilion or only using the public open grassy areas? Two different things to me. If you were a frisbee club, would you have to pay to play on the grass? Or is it because it is commercial rather than only recreational that you are subject to the charges?

[Smash]

I would want a pavilion in case it rains but most days I just want the grassy field.

Has anyone else run into high cost like I am or is it just my area?

Brandon