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YMCA reports nearly 71,000 visits in first full season at The Landing; expands safety and exercise programs
Summary
The YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley reported almost 71,000 visits to The Landing water park in its first full season, described strong local use and regional draw, and said a YMCA of the USA grant will fund water‑safety instruction integrated into camp programs.
Josh Witson, president and CEO of the YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley, told the Bettendorf Committee of the Whole that The Landing’s first full summer recorded just shy of 71,000 visits and that the facility served both local families and regional visitors.
“72% of our day passes sold were sold to residents in Iowa. Of that number 34% were residents of Bettendorf,” Witson said, adding that visitors came from 38 states and the park attracted YMCA groups from across the association. He said the attendance shows the facility’s role as a regional destination while also serving local residents and camps.
Witson described programmatic benefits: about 5,600 participants attended water‑walking classes last season, and roughly 2,400 YMCA campers visited the park; 22% of campers attended on scholarship. He said a YMCA of the USA grant will fund water‑safety instruction to be incorporated into camp programming to teach turning, floating and safe rescue‑and‑help techniques.
On operations and guest experience, Witson acknowledged initial long lines associated with required YMCA background checks and described modifications: a member Fastpass and app‑based check‑ins, plus planned portable scanners and updated software to accelerate first‑time admissions.
City staff also reviewed the Landing ice rink’s winter season: admissions were slightly down from the inaugural year but gross revenue increased through concessions, rentals and events. Staff reported that, if the fiscal year ended at that point, the facility would have recovered about 98% of expenses and the city subsidy to date would be roughly $2,966.
Why it matters: The presentation gives the council current usage and financial signals for two new public‑private facilities, highlights expanded water‑safety programming for youth, and frames operational improvements intended to reduce guest wait times.
The committee heard the report and followed with operational questions about check‑in and membership impacts.
