crucial. It also means that the facility could have challenges achieving the cost recovery goals of the client.

Median Age: for purposes of a feasibility study, the preference is for median age to be lower than the national number, indicating the presence of families with young children. The median age is higher than both the State and National figure in the Primary and Secondary Service Area. Further, in the Primary Service Area in the study less than 30% of households have children present, which is less than the National figure. This data points to the function of a potential facility that should be multi-generational.

Other important demographic notes:

• Household expenditures within both service areas are lower than the state and national average at a similar rate to the income level. This indicates most residents are living within their means. In fact, spending on entertainment and recreation is slightly higher than housing.
• Within the Primary Service Area, 18.3% of the population is under age 18, and 37.4% of the population is age 55+. The population over age 55 is greater than the national average.
• The top tapestry segment within Millcreek Township, while older, is active seeking wellness and recreation activities as well as having the ability and willingness to pay for them.
• The Market Potential Index (MPI) for adults that participate in Pickleball, Walking and Yoga is higher than the national number.

Alternative Providers: In addition to the demographic characteristics, one of the other greatest impacts on the market for a community center in Millcreek Township is the presence of other similar providers in the area. B*K identified a number of alternative providers of indoor space for sports, fitness, recreation and rentals. While there are a significant number of sports and fitness facilities, there is a gap in the market for public facilities including community spaces and specifically those providing full family experiences, especially for classes and activities for youth.

Statistics from the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) were overlaid on to the demographic profile of the service areas to determine the market potential for various activities that could take place in an indoor facility. The market potential was measured against the existing inventory of recreation providers in the area and concluded that there is a shortage of programs, activities and events that utilize multi-purpose, walking, and gymnasium space. Existing facilities continue to age and do not completely meet the needs of the parks and recreation department.

Current recreation activities are at capacity and often sell out upon registration opening based on the use of existing facilities. The department provides programs for all age groups, but the majority of indoor programs are geared towards adults as the space available is constrained. Not only are there not enough spaces, but the variety (size and

4|Page