Pool revenue down, attendance up
By KALEY CONNER
Results from the 2009 swim season are in, and while revenue was down slightly compared to last year, attendance remained high.
The Hays Recreation Commission reported a total net loss of about $28,800, half of which will be paid by the city of Hays. At Hays Aquatic Park, attendance averaged 736 visitors daily, up from 728 last year.
Overall, HRC Superintendent Roger Bixenman said he is pleased with the season's results.
"I think we're definitely pleased," Bixenman said. "Especially not knowing for sure how late we were going to open."
Attendance at Wilson Pool averaged 32 visitors per day, down from 38 last year.
This year's season got off to a rough start. Opening day was delayed at both Hays Aquatic Park and Wilson Pool as a contractor worked to implement safety precautions required by federal law.
Congress adopted the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act in December 2007, which enforced new standards regarding drain grates and suction flow. The law went into effect in December 2008.
Hays Aquatic Park opened its doors May 30, five days after its originally scheduled opening. The delay proved to be much shorter than expected. City officials had expressed concern the construction could continue until mid-June.
The late opening wasn't the only factor. The pools also had to close several days due to adverse weather conditions, Bixenman said.
Season pass sales also were down from last year. The passes sold at a discounted rate of $30 due to the shortened season. Staff expenses also were up, partly due to an increase in minimum wage.
The city requires a 50/50 share of loss/revenue generated by the two local pools under a current agreement with HRC. That means the city will pay about $14,400 this year, up from about $5,800 in 2008.