PLANO — The City of Plano and Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital are expected to approve an agreement that would let the hospital sponsor four city recreation centers.
It's a new and innovative way for the city to collect revenue at a time when budget shortfalls have become common.
Once the deal is approved, the hospital's logo will be on the upstairs jogging track. Signs will be placed on walls that are now bare, and also on outside monuments.
This is the first of what city leaders hope will be five million-dollar deals with corporate sponsors.
After Plano cut 13 full-time positions and gave their employees a small raise for the first time in four years, city leaders are looking for new ways to generate money. They discovered one way that could make them $5 million.
Carpenter Park is one of four recreation centers that will be sponsored by Texas Health Plano. The hospital plans on using it to promote health and wellness in the city.
"Exercise is such an important part of healthy living," said Mary Jo Dean, the hospital's community relations director. "Having our name at the recreation centers was something we felt would be beneficial for our citizens and Texas Health Plano."
A group of city employees training to become managers came up with the idea last year — finding five corporate sponsors willing to display their brand on city facilities.
"Our goal is to try to hit $1 million from each of them over a five-year period," said Plano City Manager Bruce Glasscock.
Glasscock said Plano would also consider offering naming rights to other facilities, but within reason — like if a new park opens.
"The Council is challenging us," Glasscock said. "They want to find new sources of revenue, other than taxes or fees."
The agreement between Texas Health and the city should be finalized before the end of the year.
E-mail sstoler@wfaa.com
