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Farmers Branch aquatics report: attendance gains, storm losses and staffing investments
Summary
The Parks & Recreation Board heard third-quarter figures showing strong attendance after Broad Pond opened, a $71,131 quarter revenue figure, new membership products, and operational disruptions from a May 28 storm that shut power for 3.5 days. Staff said lifeguard recertification and staffing increases helped service levels.
The Farmers Branch Parks & Recreation Board heard a third-quarter update from aquatics staff on operations, revenue and program participation.
Staff said the Broad Pond opened over Memorial Day weekend and early-season attendance surged, with 21,567 guests reported during the initial opening period. That boost, along with increased season-pass and day-pass sales and strong rental demand, contributed to higher receipts early in the season; staff reported quarter receipts of $71,131.
Staff attributed some lost revenue to weather: a May 28 storm knocked out power for about three and a half days, and additional thunderstorms on June 1–2 depressed weekend attendance and forced some rental cancellations. Board members asked how much concessions — including alcohol sales — contributed to point-of-sale revenue; staff said vendor payments for alcohol were received in July and would be reflected in fourth-quarter accounting and offered to provide a detailed concession breakdown.
On memberships and programs, staff reported growth across product lines and new offerings. Among figures cited were 676 natatorium members, 276 members through Silver programming and 2,136 classic all-access members tied to a multi-site product that launched in October. Staff also described Splash Pass and Flash Pass products aimed at increasing flexibility for seniors and frequent users.
Staff said the nonresident day-pass fee rose from $8 to $10, effective May 28. Board members pressed staff about rental prioritization after staff said weekend rentals were roughly split between residents (49) and nonresidents (45); staff confirmed the policy remained first-come, first-served for the quarter under review but said the department is evaluating options to better serve residents.
Operational investments and staffing were a focus. An American Red Cross lifeguard update required recertification; staff reported about 66 employees recertified under the new standard and said that after training the operation reached roughly 90% staffing for the busy season. Facility upkeep work cited included replacing drain covers on the lazy river, repainting pool areas and scheduled slide maintenance as the facility reached its tenth summer of operation.
Board members thanked aquatics staff for strong customer-service scores; staff noted an overall satisfaction rating in the low 90s and a high response score on surveys. Staff committed to follow up with a concession and alcohol-sales breakdown for the board.
The board did not take formal action on the report; staff said some concession revenue and vendor payments will appear in the next quarterly accounting and that they will return with further detail.
