Kalispell pool fees may not increase
Council reviews Woodland Water Park revenue shortage
Despite a $60,000 revenue shortfall in the Woodland Water Park's first year of operation, Kalispell Parks and Recreation Director Mike Baker is recommending that daily fees for the facility remain unchanged next summer.
Baker gave a presentation to the Kalispell City Council on Monday outlining the actual versus projected revenues and expenses for the new facility, which opened June 12, three years after Kalispell voters approved a $3.6 million construction bond.
Total daily attendance during this summer's 11-week season was 35,569, Baker said, or 94 percent of capacity. That was more than double the attendance during the last year of operation for the old Bruckhauser Pool and about 4,000 more than was anticipated.
"The public response was very positive," he said. "We had 12 days where we reached capacity and people had to wait outside until someone left."
The water park features multiple activity areas, including a lap-swim pool, a zero-entry kiddie pool, a combined water slide and lazy river pool, a deck area for sunbathers, an 8,000-square-foot bathhouse and a concession stand.
The facility is substantially different from the old pool. Consequently, there was tremendous uncertainty regarding the initial revenue, expense and attendance projections (see box).
Lightning storms also forced the pool to close early six times, Baker said, and it didn't open at all on seven days because of cold weather. Overall, it was open for a total of 74 days, or nine days fewer than anticipated.
Season pass sales were about $40,000 less than expected, and miscellaneous revenue was off by $5,000, largely because the concession stand was under construction and didn't open until August.
"We made $7,600 in three weeks, so I would expect a substantial increase in concession revenue next year," Baker said.
On the expense side, he said, the pool took a $24,000 hit in the natural gas budget because the factory specifications on the new boilers were incorrect. They were running too hot and several internal parts were burned out.
The boilers are under warranty, so the parts were replaced without cost, Baker said. He also will talk with the manufacturer about a possible reimbursement for the natural gas expenditure.
Given the potential for additional concession and private party revenue, together with anticipated improvements in operating efficiency and a sharp reduction in gas costs next year, Baker recommended leaving the current fee schedule alone.
Daily swim fees are $3 for children ages 1 to 16, and $5 for anyone 17 and older. Toddlers get in for free. There is no surcharge for out-of-city residents.
"I think we stick with these fees for another year," Baker said. "The concern is that I'll be back asking for another general fund subsidy next fall."
Baker and Finance Director Amy Robertson are asking the council to approve a $65,000 transfer from the property tax-supported general fund to the pool account to cover this year's shortfall.
The council will have to hold a public hearing before taking that step. A resolution calling for the hearing is expected to be on the Nov. 1 council agenda.
The council isn't expected to consider pool fees or the pool budget until next year's budget preparation cycle, which typically begins around March.
. . . .
Projected versus actual attendance, revenue and expenses during the Woodland Water Park's first year of operation:
Attendance figures Projected actual
Avg. daily attendance 375 474
Days of operation 83 74
Total attendance 31,125 35,569
Swim lessons 1,500 1,502
Season passes 390 166
Revenue Projected actual
Open swim $78,202 $97,334
Swim lesson $44,280 $41,252
Season passes $64,565 $22,650
Misc. revenue $20,500 $15,514
Total revenue $207,547 $176,750
Note: Miscellaneous revenue includes concessions, private parties, advertising and special events.
Expenses Projected actual
Personnel $163,851 $174,400
Maint. & oper. $37,300 $63,000
Total expenses $201,151 $237,400
Source: Kalispell Parks and Recreation Department