(KLZA)-- During last weeks meeting of the Falls City Council, recently hired Parks & Recreation Director Briar Burr outlined an operational and use plan for Prichard Auditorium and reviewed the Aquatic Center staff manual.

Prichard Auditorium, described as "The Jewel of Southeast Nebraska" was built in the 1930's using more than 2,000 tons of native limestone. The facility has been used to host basketball and volleyball games, boxing and wrestling, benefits, community events, wedding receptions, prom and after-prom parties, toy shows, farm and home shows, Red Cross Bloodmobiles and even funerals.

Burr said that even with those events taking place he feels the building is under utilized and could be used to offer recreational use weeknights between 4 and 8 p.m. Staff is currently on duty from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. but staff would need to be on duty for the additional hours.

The City already keeps the building heated in the winter and Burr feels it will be fairly inexpensive to operate with added use. He noted that he wants to be able to keep the use of the facility affordable and offer something back to the community.

Burr feels the building could be used more by youth and families for a wide range of activities. He said in checking with the schools, unless kids are involved in organized sports at their school, there aren't many other opportunities for recreational activities.

The idea is to have use of the building membership driven. Starting December 2, a "Prichard Pass" will be available, which will give members access to the Auditorium amenities which includes gym space for volleyball, basketball, pickle ball dodgeball and others.

During December the plan is to have the building open at no charge and then utilize the passes beginning in January.

The passes would be good through December, 2025 with plans for annual passes for youth ages 5 - 15 for $60, adults 16 - 54 for $78 and seniors 55 and over for $50. The possibility of a family pass could be explored in the future.

During the summer months when there are more activities and families are busier outside, the Auditorium hours would be reduced to 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. During the school year from September 1 to the end of April the hours would be extended to 8 p.m.

Prichard Auditorium will still be available for rent for wedding receptions and other events.

The Council approved the proposal.

Burr also presented an Aquatic Center Staff Manual and Emergency Action Plan which included proposed wages for staff members, job descriptions, staff policies and uniform requirements. The proposal was approved.