Middleburg Heights Recreation Department FAQs

Membership Questions

Normal hours of operation may be different. Please call (440) 234-2255 to verify.

Do you have to be a resident to be a member?

No, non-residents can purchase a membership as an adult (ages 19-59), family (ages 23 or younger) or senior (age 60+). Non-resident members are also eligible for all member rates in Learn to Swim classes, programs, rentals and athletic programs.

Can I walk in and buy a guest pass?

No. ALL guests must be accompanied by a member who has purchased a member guest punch pass.

How do you become a SilverSneaker?

Check with your insurance company to see if they provide this benefit. You can also go to opens in a new windowwww.silversneakers.com for details on the program.

What age does senior rate begin?

Regular Membership – Age 60
Silver Sneaker Membership – Age 65 (in most but not all cases)

Does a membership include any classes?

Silver Sneaker Memberships include Silver Sneaker Classes only. Other memberships do not include any classes.

How can I apply for a job with the Rec. Dept?

Download an application form opens in a new windowhere and turn in to the front desk at the center. we accept applications year round but our peak season is in the summer months.

What is the definition of family?

Family is defined as 5 individuals (2 adults and up to 3 dependent children, ages 23 or younger who must reside at the same residence. Additional family members are assessed an extra fee. Any falsification of information will result in forfeiture of membership fees and revoked membership.

At what age can a child be in the center without an adult?

11 years old.

Community Room Questions

Can you serve alcoholic beverages?

Yes, you must provide us with insurance that lists the City of Middleburg Heights for 1 million dollars for the day of your event, and that covers host liquor liability. You must also have a policeman. They are $45.00 per hour and arrangements are made through the rental coordinator.

Do you have to be a resident of Middleburg Heights to rent the rooms?

No you do not need to be a resident.

Is there a minimum amount of hours that you must rent for?

Monday through Thursday is a 2-hour rental minimum, Friday & Saturday 3- hour minimum and Sunday 4-hour minimum

Do any of the kitchens have a stove?

No, each kitchen is equipped with a microwave oven and kitchen A has a double convection oven.

Fitness Area Questions

How old do you have to be to use the fitness area?

Children between the ages of 12-14 will be allowed to use the Nautilus & Cardio equipment if they are accompanied and supervised by an adult. No one under the age of 15 is allowed in the Free Weight area. No child under the age of 12 will be allowed on the track unless accompanied & supervised by an adult.

How many laps constitute a mile on the track?

Approximately 12 laps comprise one mile if you are in the outermost lane.

How long can I exercise on a piece of equipment?

During busy hours, we ask that you limit your time on a particular piece of equipment to 30 minutes.

Aquatic Questions

How long will it take for my child to learn how to swim?

All children progress at different levels and the description of “swimming” is different for everyone. The most important factor is to make sure that your child respects the water and knows the rules of safety. As with any activity, the more exposure your child has to the water in a safe environment, the sooner they will master the skills. Generally children begin to understand the concepts around age 4-5 but it may take years of practice to become an accomplished swimmer.

At what age is it safe for my child to swim without my direct supervision?

If you are asking the question, it is probably unsafe for your child to be at the pool without direct adult supervision. We use age 8 as a guideline with the idea that around that time children understand their own limitations. Always remember that there is no substitute for a parents’ vigilant observation of their own child.

Why don’t you let parents watch swim lessons from the pool deck?

Children tend to focus more on the lesson without the parent in view. Parents tend to be cheerleaders and sometimes intervene with or speak for the child while the teacher is trying to earn the respect and trust of the child. The pool area tends to be hot and uncomfortable for anyone not dressed for swimming. For sanitary reasons, the pool deck stays cleaner when street shoes are not worn on the deck.

How do I know which level of water exercise program is appropriate for me?

We offer a range of classes from stretching to moderate aerobics. Class descriptions serve as a guideline but any class within reason can be adapted by the individual attending the class. The best advice is to consult with your physician to see if you have any physical limitations. Speak to the instructor before class about ways that you can participate without causing a health risk to yourself. The benefit of exercise in water is that it is safer than exercise on land due to buoyancy. Use that to your advantage.

Why do the lifeguards allow children or water walkers in the lap lanes?

This policy is really a judgment call based on the swimming crowd at any given time. If a child can swim non-stop, there really is no reason to keep them out. Some adults prefer to water walk in the lanes rather than the channel and again, based on the crowd at the time, we do allow it. If you feel that a child or adult walker is keeping you from being able to swim laps, please consult a lifeguard or aquatic supervisor at the time you are here. We will do our best to accommodate all swimmers.

Athletic Program Questions

My child will not have reached the school grade or age required for a specific athletic program, but I think he/she is ready to participate at that next level. Can we sign up for that program?

If this particular program does not have a limit on number of registrations, you may sign up and attend evaluations for the program you wish to have your child participate in. Our staff will determine readiness.

Do you have to be a resident to participate in youth
athletic programs?

No, participants must reside in or attend a public or private school located within the boundaries of the Berea City School District or have a current MHCC membership. Check our website at www.middleburgheights.com or call the athletic supervisor.

Can my child be placed on the same team with another for transportation purposes?

We get many requests of this nature, but we cannot guarantee placing children other than siblings on the same team. In fairness to all participants, our objective is to make teams as equal as possible. Requests will be considered if, after evaluations, it is determined that placing friends together would have no effect on the parity of the teams.

Can I request to have or to not have my child on a team with a
specific coach?

We will consider such a request, providing there are more than 2 coaches in that particular program and doing so would not affect parity of the league.

Senior Activities Questions

Do I have to live in Middleburg Heights to participate in your activities?

No.

May I bring a friend or family member that isn’t a senior on your trips?

Yes.

Programs/Classes Questions

How old do you have to be to use the fitness area?

Children between the ages of 12-14 will be allowed to use the Nautilus & Cardio equipment if they are accompanied and supervised by an adult. No one under the age of 15 is allowed in the Free Weight area. No child under the age of 12 will be allowed on the track unless accompanied & supervised by an adult.

How many laps constitute a mile on the track?

Approximately 12 laps comprise one mile if you are in the outermost lane.

How long can I exercise on a piece of equipment?

During busy hours, we ask that you limit your time on a particular piece of equipment
to 30 minutes.