Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Fees topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parks director recommends Wet Zone price increases to offset costs; council asks about earmarking
Summary
Parks director Ryan Mullins proposed modest admission and season‑pass increases at the Wet Zone to raise roughly $64,000 annually; council asked whether proceeds could be reserved for pool maintenance and whether senior pass options should be added.
Ryan Mullins, Rowlett’s director of parks and recreation, presented proposed increases to Wet Zone admission and season‑pass rates at the Dec. 15 work session, describing a uniform approach of $2 increases for most resident rates and $3 increases for nonresidents. Staff estimated the changes would yield about $64,000 annually and flagged that some nonresident rates had previously matched resident rates and should be adjusted upward.
"The first one we have is a wet zone admission fee for residents who are 48 inches or taller, moving that from $10 which is the current fee, to $12. That estimated impact about $15,000," Mullins said. Council members asked whether revenue from the higher fees would be earmarked for pool maintenance; staff said the fees currently flow to the general fund and are not segregated for specific pool repairs. Council discussed creating a senior season‑pass and asked staff to return with pricing options.
Mullins noted the difficulty of direct comparisons with other water parks because facilities vary (indoor vs. seasonal, size and amenities). He recommended a straightforward admission structure and said concessions are priced separately. Council did not take formal action; staff said the fee changes will appear on a future agenda for adoption.
