Wellington leaders debate aquatics center fees and concessions as opening approaches
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Summary
Council and staff reviewed proposed fee schedules and operations for Wellington's new aquatic center, weighing a $7–$8 base admission scenario against resident affordability. Council asked staff to refine rates, consider short‑term free weekends and adjust family/add‑on pricing before final adoption.
Village Parks & Recreation staff and consultant George Dynas presented an operational plan and a red‑lined facility fee schedule for the new Wellington aquatic center at the Nov. 10 agenda review.
The presentation showed scenarios for resident daily admission and memberships (examples: a $7 base scenario and an $8 base scenario with nonresident differentials), revised summer and annual memberships, and a set of rental rates for cabanas and party rooms. "We built the new pool for people to use it," a councilmember said during the discussion, urging that fees not be prohibitive for residents.
Councilmembers pushed back on some proposed increases, noting that certain rates more than double prior prices (for example seniors from $2 to $5 in one scenario). One councilmember urged a phased approach: "I would like to see us do something for the first 3 months from January through spring break to make the pool on weekends free to residents," the mayor said, proposing a marketing period to familiarize residents with the facility.
Staff and the consultant discussed operational implications: the facility will add Monday hours year‑round, increase evening hours, and require additional personnel and utility costs (estimated annual operating expenses roughly $2.2 million). Under a $7 base rate scenario, projected annual revenue from admissions and memberships was estimated near $967,000, producing an approximate cost recovery rate around 43 percent — similar to current Village recovery levels.
Council also discussed rental pricing and structure. Staff proposed half‑day cabana rates in the $75–100 range and clarified the birthday party room rental includes up to 15 guests. Council asked staff to revise certain family and add‑on pass math to avoid perverse incentives and to return updated printed materials.
Next steps: staff will adjust the fee schedule per council direction (lowering some child and senior annual membership lines, adjusting family math and cabana pricing) and circulate updated materials before the Wednesday formal vote.