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Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics reports rising memberships and completes major pool HVAC and replaster work
Summary
HMFA leaders said visitor and membership counts are recovering toward pre‑COVID levels, the 50‑meter pool received new HVAC and replastering and the center is pursuing additional events and energy grants while monitoring near‑term operational costs.
Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics (HFMA) staff told the board the facility is seeing growing usage from both local members and out‑of‑area event visitors and that major pool capital work completed in 2024 improved operations and energy performance.
HFMA reported roughly 22,000 visitors to races, swim meets and similar events in FY24 and said attendance is trending back toward peak pre‑pandemic levels (roughly 24,000 in 2018–19). Facility staff said membership revenue is up approximately 10% year‑over‑year and program usage (fitness classes, camps and swim programs) is up near 5%; the operators attributed growth to outreach, partnerships and expanded programming.
Capital work completed in 2024 included replacement of the 50‑meter pool HVAC, new ductwork and replastering of the large pool; the team said those projects reduced humidity and improved pool water and indoor air handling. HFMA staff also reported receiving a $20,000 industrial electrification/efficiency grant tied to the pool work. Staff noted the building is now about 24 years old and identified roofing, HVAC across the remainder of the building and pump replacements for the outdoor/25‑yard pool as likely next priorities.
The facility is balancing three objectives: preserve regular member access, host larger third‑party events that bring visitors and revenue, and keep the building’s systems reliable for year‑round operation. HFMA staff said they are exploring additional event rentals, improving scoreboard and timing equipment, and considering locker room/function enhancements timed to future budget cycles (FY26 and FY27 were discussed as possible windows for larger investments).
On finance, HFMA said its current fiscal‑year revenue and expense trends are near last year’s levels and noted that small changes in event scheduling can have outsized effects on annual revenues. Town staff told the board the town may authorize a short‑term transfer in FY25 if HMFA revenue misses estimates to prevent a negative fund balance; staff intend to present monthly financial detail to the board moving forward.
Ending: HFMA asked the town to continue capital support discussions and to consider planned capital projects in the FY26 budget cycle; staff said they will return with detailed cost estimates and timing for pump/roofing work as those needs are refined.
