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Waukesha staff preview 2026 pool season with schedule shifts and cabana rentals to boost revenue
Summary
Recreation staff presented a preliminary 2026 pool plan that shifts many swim lessons to evening hours at Horeb, reallocates open swim, and pilots cabana rentals (resident price up to $100) to generate an estimated $13,000 in new revenue. No board action was required; staff will return with a final plan next month.
Waukesha Parks, Recreation and Forestry managers reviewed pool performance in 2025 and pitched a preliminary 2026 season design that reallocates lesson times and introduces cabana rentals to increase capacity and revenue.
Why it matters: Staff said operating costs are driven by personnel; by moving many learn-to-swim lessons into evening blocks at Horeb and concentrating open swim hours, the department aims to increase lesson capacity for working families and avoid low‑attendance open‑swim hours that drain the operating budget.
Presentation highlights Mark Thompson, recreation manager, said attendance rose by about 4,000 visits in 2025 and that the combined recovery rate for pools was approximately 85% last year. He also cited staff costs near $550 per hour for pool operations and said some open‑evening blocks averaged only about 10 paid admissions, which produced a net operating loss when compared with staff costs.
Logan (recreation staff) described the proposed schedule adjustments: "Compared to last year, we'll be open 71 days, just minus 3 days," and the plan moves lessons to evenings at Horeb while concentrating morning lessons at Buckner to increase capacity for working families. Staff said Buckner will retain its extended daily hours while Horeb’s evening open-swim pattern will change to prioritize lessons and seasonal hours.
New revenue and cabanas Staff proposed a pilot cabana rental program at both pools: five cabanas total across the two facilities, pricing differentiated by pool and day. Mark Thompson said resident cabana pricing would "max out at a $100" and gave a Buckner weekend example of $99; staff estimated $13,000 in cabana revenue at a 25% occupancy rate. Staff stressed that cabana units must meet higher wind-load standards, and reservations will be available online at resident registration and up to 24 hours ahead, with day-of availability first-come, first-served.
Board response and next steps Board members asked about access for pass holders (staff confirmed pool passes work at both facilities), potential backlash from users near Horeb given the evening lesson changes, and marketing plans; staff said they will coordinate marketing and encouraged board members to email questions. The presentation was preliminary and required no action; staff will bring the final plan back next month.
(Reporting based on the Feb. 16 preliminary presentation; staff asked board members to submit questions before the final vote.)
