WOMEN'S RECREATION ASSOCIATION (WRA)

WOMEN'S RECREATION ASSOCIATION (WRA). Private, non-profit organization founded after an organizational meeting on June 1, 1964. Established in response to the demand for more sports opportunities for women, the WRA was allowed to assume planning and administration roles with the help of the Dubuque Recreation Department. The Department provided all gyms, softball fields and volleyball courts free of charge until 1976.

Association activity grew rapidly. The nine softball and nine volleyball teams which competed during the first summer session grew to nearly fifty by 1977. The number of volleyball teams had doubled by the start of the first winter season, and a basketball league was established. Lessons were offered in archery, fencing, golf, swimming and tennis.

Through various fund-raisers, enough money was obtained by 1974 to purchase thirty-seven acres off Cedar Cross Road for $24,000. Plans were made for the construction of ten volleyball courts and three fully lighted softball fields. Plans for future construction included additional softball fields, tennis courts, and track and field facilities. Funds raised from tournaments were thought to be sufficient to eventually eliminate the five-dollar fee for each activity. Small fund-raisers, such as the sale of "Stop the Clock, My Supper's Burning," a 274-page recipe book, also continued.

In November 1986, the Association, which had sponsored sports programs for women and men, announced that it would disband and was seeking a buyer for its 37.5-acre sports complex. The Association cited rising operating costs and increased competition as the reasons for closing. Membership had dropped from approximately 2,500 to an estimated 800. The five-dollar membership fee and the ten to fifteen dollar charge for sports events did not cover expenses.