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Wellington to open new Aquatic Center Jan. 3; fees rise, membership promos and programming announced
Summary
Village parks staff set Jan. 3 for the Aquatic Center grand opening, said new base admission will rise to $7, outlined programming and promotional discounts, and provided operating cost and revenue figures showing about 44% cost recovery.
Wellington parks and recreation staff announced a Jan. 3 grand opening for the village’s new Aquatic Center and outlined program, pricing and operational details at the Nov. 19 meeting.
"The Aquatic Center grand opening will be January 3 from 8 to 1," Speaker 5 said, describing a ribbon-cutting with council at 8 a.m., facility tours and free public activities through 1 p.m. Staff previewed exhibitions and demonstrations including water polo and dive exhibitions and said a DJ and community activities will be part of the free public day.
Speaker 5 said the village raised the new base admission "from $5 ... to the new $7 base" as a modest, market-aligned increase. She also announced a pre-opening promotion: "December 1 through the grand opening, we're offering 20% off all of our annual membership." In response to a question, Speaker 5 confirmed current annual memberships will roll over until their existing term ends.
On operating finances, Speaker 5 said the village expects higher operating costs than revenue: "it would cost us approximately 2,248,000 to run the facility with a revenue of about 1,000,000," putting cost recovery at about 44%, which staff described as "in line" with industry standards. Staff noted new revenue streams such as cabana rentals, birthday-room rentals and a nonresident fee will help offset costs.
Staff also previewed seasonal programs and events tied to parks: a holiday cultural celebration and tree lighting, a Dec. 13 holiday boat parade paired with Lakeside Market vendors, and the Wellington Brewfest scheduled for Feb. 7 (tickets listed by staff as "$95 for VIP, $60 for general admission"). Speaker 5 announced a new youth program called "AI Kids," planned for January if sufficient enrollment is reached.
Staff described other facility work including tennis-court expansion (ground broken and expected to open in Q1 next year), imminent work on Padel (permitting wrapping up), and plans to demolish the existing aquatic pool a few months after the new center opens to create additional green space near the town center. Speaker 4 told the council that a new playground element in the Scott’s Place expansion will likely be in the "$400,000 range" and is half funded by a grant.
Staff said routine maintenance and field substructure work will continue as part of ongoing operations. The council adjourned at the meeting's close after a motion to adjourn was approved.
