The Town of Queen Creek reported strong early usage of its new Recreation and Aquatic Center during a council presentation Oct. 15, while staff outlined several maintenance and programming issues that will require short-term closures or schedule changes.

Adam Robinson, the town’s director of parks and recreation, told the council the facility sold “over 32,000 day passes for participants” in its first six months and has nearly 3,000 membership purchases across monthly, three‑month and annual plans. Robinson said six‑month revenues through September totaled just over $1.1 million and that annual operations were budgeted at just under $7 million for fiscal year 2026.

Robinson said weekly visitation peaked in summer, that average weekly visitors have stabilized around 3,500–3,900, and that the average member session is about an hour and a half. He described the center as a “family first” facility that draws both youth sports and a growing active‑adult population, including a senior fitness class that has expanded significantly since opening.

Why it matters: the facility is intended as a long‑term town amenity whose usage and revenue performance will influence operating budgets and programming. Council members praised early attendance but pressed staff on maintenance and equity of access.

What the presentation covered: Robinson walked the council through attendance, program and staffing data and a short list of operational challenges. Key figures presented were roughly 9,000 people covered by all membership types (counting family memberships), about 175 day‑pass purchases per day on average, and a pool capacity set at 800 with an observed peak attendance day at about 542 people (about 68% of capacity).

Staffing and programs: Robinson said the town hired more than 200 part‑time seasonal staff (with more than half serving as lifeguards), many of whom were first‑time lifeguards or first‑time instructors. He credited aquatic supervisors Joey (aquatic supervisor) and Andrew (aquatic coordinator) with heavy training work and said retention of trained staff is already a positive indicator for next season.

Maintenance and warranty issues: Robinson identified three main facility problems staff are addressing. The HVAC system had early commissioning problems but he said it has “been working phenomenally the last few weeks.” Roof leaks discovered during a rainy season prompted a forensic roofing assessment and a repair plan submitted to the town. Most materially for users, Robinson said the gymnasium floor must be replaced due to installation and material failures and that the replacement will take about eight to nine weeks; the town is pursuing the work under the contractor’s warranty and Robinson said the replacement will be “at no cost to us.”

Council questions and responses: Councilmember McClure asked whether the new gym floor would use the same material and about installation changes; Robinson replied that the replacement will use a slightly different vinyl top from a different manufacturer and that the vendor Ecore is supplying the striping contractor to address prior striping issues. Public works staff confirmed the work is covered under the original construction contract and that town retention is being used to ensure the contractor completes warranty repairs.

Programming adjustments: staff acknowledged a persistent service gap for 9–12‑year‑old users who are too old for child care and too young for teen programming. Proposed short‑term fixes include a move‑in/move‑out “preteen room” during select hours, adjusted open‑gym scheduling, and shifting child‑watch hours based on usage data. Robinson said changes would be financed from within the facility’s operating budget where possible.

Next steps and timeline: staff will schedule the gym floor replacement and coordinate program adjustments and communications with members; they plan to return with periodic updates. Robinson and councilmembers agreed to continue refining hours and programs as usage data accumulates over the next two to three years.

Ending: Council members praised staff and volunteers for operating the new facility and asked staff to return with updates as repairs and programming changes proceed.