Oklahoma Aquarium reports modest attendance dip, previews Shark Research Center and STEM events

Aquarium staff reported a small year-over-year decline in attendance and revenue in summer months but outlined several upcoming events, a construction timetable for a Shark Research Center, and exhibit repairs at a Jenks Aquarium Authority meeting Tuesday.

Marce, a city staff member presenting the aquarium report for absent aquarium director Kenny, said attendance and revenue were down roughly 6%–8% in June and July and that use tax (tax on goods delivered into Jenks, such as construction materials and online purchases) was down about 2.5% for the first three months of the fiscal year and roughly 8% compared with the same month last year. Marce said similar declines were reported at other regional attractions.

Why it matters: attendance and tax revenues are inputs for the aquarium’s operating and event planning and inform city and authority discussions about programming, marketing and capital investments.

Events, membership and construction

Marce said the aquarium’s July events, including Sharks-themed programming, sold out for many sessions and that proceeds from a dive contest will fund free visits for about 500 students. The aquarium is testing a daytime version of its Halloween event and planning a volunteer cleanup for “918 Day,” a Tulsa-area community event.

On facilities, staff said work is underway on the Shark Research Center. Large concrete tanks are being prepped for waterproofing with an expected completion date in October, after which waterproofing itself will begin. Staff also described a repair method used on a living coral exhibit that avoided draining the tank; artificial coral insertions for the Polynesian reef are being secured with specialized screws into the substrate to limit movement during water flow.

Use and financial context

Marce said the aquarium’s membership numbers are up despite the attendance dip. The staff reported a general slowdown in consumer spending that affected use tax and said the aquarium had seen similar cyclical declines before that were offset by busier periods later in the year.

Quotes and public programs

Marce said, “Our out-of-state dive with the bull sharks was a big hit again,” and that contest proceeds “will actually bring about 500 students to the aquarium at no cost.” He also described the new STEM-focused public event scheduled for the evening of the meeting as “sponsored by Community Care” and expected to host educators and students from regional institutions including the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and OSU Health.

Next steps and community tie-ins

Staff said the aquarium is coordinating with riverfront trail funding tied to a low-water dam project that will eventually connect trails from Turkey Mountain to the outlet mall south of the aquarium, improving pedestrian access along the river within five years. The aquarium plans pollinator-garden work and adjacent apiaries.