NEW LONDON — A proposal to add SilverSneakers at the Community Recreation Center would lower costs for eligible members while creating a budget question for the city, according to a report by The Day’s John Penney.
The newspaper reports that councilors are expected to revisit Councilor Victoria Mueller’s proposed ordinance Monday, October 19, after tabling it October 5. Her draft seeks participation beginning April 1, 2027; it is not an announcement that the benefit is available now.
The city’s official calendar confirms a City Council meeting at 7 p.m. Monday in the Council Chambers. A complete ordinance packet was not obtained for this report; the proposal’s terms and the expected discussion are attributed to The Day.
Power Wellness, which operates the recreation center for the city, projects a $13,000 monthly reduction in membership revenue, or $156,000 annually, The Day reports. The estimate assumes existing senior members would switch from paid memberships to the insurance-backed benefit. It is an operator’s projection, not an established loss.
According to the newspaper, current senior memberships cost $35 monthly for residents and $52 for nonresidents. Power Wellness’s memo describes SilverSneakers reimbursements of roughly $3–$4 per visit, capped at $30 monthly. Mayor Michael Passero said a mid-budget-year start would require the city to address the resulting shortfall.
Residents should distinguish the proposed center-membership change from individual recreation classes. The city’s separate S.I.T. — Seniors in Training — listing already advertises a SilverSneakers class discount through health insurance, requiring an eligibility check, member ID and class sign-in. It lists a new session beginning October 20.
That class-specific offer does not establish approval of the proposed facility-membership ordinance. Check the recreation department’s exact program listing and insurance eligibility before relying on a discount. The center is at 1 Recreation Way.