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Aquatic center posts strong first season and finishes year with surplus
Summary
City staff reported the new aquatic center’s inaugural season drew thousands of visits across 173 towns and 30 states, returned more revenue than expected and ended with a reported operating surplus; staff recommended placing surplus into a restricted capital outlay account for pool maintenance.
City staff presented a season recap for the newly opened Fergus Falls aquatic center and reported higher‑than‑expected use and revenue in its first season. Len Taylor and staff said the pools were filled May 27, opened to the public with a May 29 community event, and closed for the season on Aug. 22 after weather forced late‑season closures.
Taylor provided facility metrics and attendance counts presented in the staff packet: facility capacity details (167,000 gallons combined), and a visitation breakdown the presentation listed as roughly 5,98 visits in June, 8,377 in July and 4,780 in August (transcript formatting of some numbers was inconsistent in the record). Staff reported 9,317 day‑pass uses and 8,762 membership uses, and noted the facility drew visitors from 173 Minnesota towns and 30 states.
Financials in the presentation showed first‑year operating expenses and revenues reported in the packet; staff reported year‑to‑date operating expenses around $157,58 and total revenue reported in the packet as $234,57, yielding a reported surplus the presenters described as approximately $77,398. Finance staff (Andrew) proposed restricting the surplus in a capital outlay fund as a dedicated maintenance reserve for the pool; he said staff will reconcile year‑end figures for audit and return with a resolution.
Council discussed using some access subsidies next season (the library purchased passes that community members could check out), the possibility of naming rights or sponsorships to generate revenue, requests to extend evening hours and minor operational complaints (closing when temperature fell to 65 degrees, and parking management). Staff said unused punch‑pass credits will carry over to next season and that the park board has discussed targeted subsidies for nonprofits and other community partners.
