Council reviews $1.9M–$2.5M concept for new Chota Beach concession, seeks site visit and budget guidance

City staff presented conceptual designs and cost estimates Aug. 25 for replacing the aging concession stand and bathhouse at Chota Beach with a mixed‑use facility that would add larger restrooms, indoor rental space and expanded concession operations. Staff estimated architecture fees and preliminary construction costs at about $1.9 million (architecture’s estimate without demolition and interior fit‑out) and said a full project could be in the $2.2–$2.5 million range once demolition and interior furnishings are included.

Staff said the existing concession building’s architectural plans date to 1955 and that some parts of the structure are grandfathered under health‑code rules but may lose that status within a year or two. The proposed replacement would add an indoor rental room that staff estimated could seat 60–70 people (table seating) and up to about 100–125 people for some events, larger restrooms and an observation deck above the concession area. The plan includes roll‑up garage doors to connect indoor and outdoor picnic space and separate family‑style restrooms and changing areas.

The concept would also change the concession operator model the city uses now. Staff said the current concession stand generates modest revenue (net revenue this season roughly $12,000) and has an average transaction of about $6.60. A larger food program could aim for $10 or more per transaction and generate net revenue the staff’s preliminary business planning estimated at roughly $30,000–$40,000 per year, which could contribute to utilities, maintenance or debt service. Proposed rental fees discussed informally were in the range of about $275–$350 for peak‑season resident/nonresident rates, and staff suggested room‑tax receipts or private donations, naming gifts and community fundraising as possible funding sources.

Councilmembers asked whether the city should renovate the existing building incrementally or pursue a full replacement. Several members called for a site visit so council can see current conditions before committing to borrowing for a larger build. Staff noted the city has $400,000 in planned improvements this year (roughly a 50/50 split of city funds and grant funds) that cover pathways, picnic shelters and restroom interiors elsewhere in the park; the proposed concession replacement would be above and beyond that package.

Other considerations discussed included accessibility for an upper observation deck (an elevator would materially increase costs), potential models for private operation or leasing to third-party concessionaires, and local comparisons from other Great Lakes communities that have generated revenue and community use from larger park concessions and rental pavilions. Staff requested a site visit before budget season and said they would refine operating and capital projections if council wants to consider the project in the capital borrowing plan.

No formal decision was made. Council generally supported further study and asked staff to arrange a site visit and return with refined cost estimates and a business/operations plan for discussion during the capital budget process.