Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Recreation Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sand Creek Station presents 2026 budget; seeks sustained playable days and modest rate increases
Summary
Sand Creek Station staff presented the golf course’s 2026 budget projections, attributing recent strong revenue to unusually high playable days in 2024 and a planned modest fee increase effective May 1; capital outlay is tied to revenue performance.
Sand Creek Station general manager presented a high‑level budget overview for 2026 at the April 8 commission meeting, reviewing 2024 performance and outlining revenue drivers and growth strategies.
The manager described 2024 as a “unicorn year” — the golf course recorded 252 playable days in 2024 and the speaker estimated the value of a single playable day at approximately $8,100. Staff said unusually favorable weather and a one‑time revenue boost from hosting the USGA adaptive open and recognizing the USGA site fee contributed to higher 2024 revenues.
To help sustain revenue, the golf course will implement a modest rate increase effective May 1: weekend fees rising from $50 to $52, weekday standard rates increasing from $43 to $45, and promotional rates rising proportionally. Management said the new rates remain competitive with the Wichita market and predicted “little to no attrition.”
The 2026 budget discussed personnel cost contingencies, contractual services, and a proposed capital outlay of $250,000 tied to revenue performance; the manager described capital outlay as correlated with revenues and said the city would not be required to spend the amount if revenues do not support it. Staff also noted savings on bank fees following a payment‑system change.
Growth strategies listed included food and beverage revenue from outings, expanding player development and junior camps (including a new TGA program this summer), pursuing event bids (NJCAA national championship and NCAA regionals), and hosting PGA Tour Q School stage 1. The manager emphasized collecting customer ZIP codes and emails for targeted marketing.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about capital outlay use and the contingency if revenues fall short; the manager confirmed capital spending is discretionary and tied to reserve and revenue performance. No vote was required; the presentation was received.
PROVENANCE: Presentation and Q&A occurred during the Sand Creek Station 2026 budget agenda item.
