It’s reasonable in tight economic times for the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department to consider raising some fees and adding new fees for some services.

There are, however, a number of important factors to consider as they approach this strategy.

First, the city should be careful not to discourage young people from using its parks and recreation facilities. High on that list would be the local recreation centers and swimming pool facilities.

Recreation centers need to have at least some facilities that are free and available for youngsters. That can include game tables, open gym time or even free access to exercise equipment. Recreation centers are a healthy place for youngsters to gather and engage in physical and social activities.

The city’s aquatic centers and South Park wading pool also are popular attractions for local youngsters. Fees for the aquatic centers already are high enough to be a problem for some families. Scholarships are available, but not everyone can take advantage of that program.

Earlier this year, the city floated the idea of closing the South Park wading pool, which would be a shame. Adding a fee for that pool would raise a little money, but you have to wonder whether it would even cover the salary of the person collecting the fee.

Among the top targets for additional fees apparently are the weight and cardio rooms in local recreation centers. In this case, the principle of “you get what you pay for” might apply. Many people probably would be willing to pay something to use that exercise equipment if it was clean, well-maintained and reasonably up-to-date, which doesn’t seem to always be the case now. There is little chance that city facilities would rival the services available at commercial gyms, so the fees could be lower. Monthly passes to use the equipment would reduce staff time needed to collect fees and be more convenient for frequent users.

The Parks and Recreation Department has set a public forum for 6:30 p.m. April 16 at Lawrence High School to get feedback on new or increased fees. The plan is to survey people who attend the forum — and hopefully other facility users — about their willingness to pay for services.

While it seems unlikely that anyone would be enthusiastic about new fees, perhaps residents can provide information that would help city officials target those fees in ways that maintain access for young people and others of limited means.