Ryan, the commission’s recreation supervisor, gave a data-driven recap of Regner Beach’s 2024 season and framed an AquaGlide (Aqua Park) as the leading option to bolster revenues for 2025.

Ryan told commissioners the 2024 season ran June 8 through Aug. 18 and the park was open 64 of 72 calendar days. "For those 64 days, the beach was open for a total of 439.75 hours, which equated to 6.87 hours per day," he said. He reported total attendance of 14,659 users for the beach and rotary splash pad, a roughly 6% increase from 2023, and 3,964 users of the inflatable zone. The inflatable attraction generated about $16,000 in revenue and helped push overall revenues up roughly $25,000 versus 2023, while expenses were about $6,000 higher.

On finances Ryan said reserves remain under pressure: "Before factoring in the Washington County grant money, we lost $64,155," and with the county grant of $43,520 the net 2024 loss was roughly $20,635. Commissioners asked about county support; a staff member explained the Washington County "Save Summer Swim" grant was structured to step down over time (100% initial support, then 75%, then 50%, then 25%), with West Bend scheduled to be at 25% in 2026.

Ryan recommended the commission move forward with an Aqua Park at Regner Beach to increase revenue and slow reserve depletion. "My biggest recommendation for 2025 is the implementation of the Aqua Park in Regner Beach," he said. Staff and commissioners discussed logistics, and Ryan outlined the procurement timetable: a pre-bid meeting at the Beach House on Nov. 7, bid opening Nov. 12, and a request to the common council to award a contract on Dec. 2.

Commissioners also explored operational impacts if construction proceeds this winter. Staff said pond dredging and other site work needed for AquaGlide installation could conflict with the winter ice-skating season; depending on contractor timing and weather, the city may have to pause ice skating to complete pond work. Staff stated a contractor must be fully off-site by May 1 so staff can install anchors and complete beach preparations for the 2025 season.

The commission did not take a final vote on procurement at this meeting; staff said they would present contract-award language to the common council on Dec. 2 and return to the commission with updated project costs and a 2025 season projection if a December award is approved.