By NICK BUDD
Hays Post

Despite increased rates passed by the commission before the summer began, the Hays Aquatic Park and Wilson Pool reported increased attendance for the 2014 season. Members of the Hays Recreation Commission gave Hays city commissioners a yearly report during a joint meeting at Thursday’s work session.

The HRC is asking the city for a reimbursement of $7,960, which is significantly down from last year when the city reimbursed the commission almost $20,500. Both the HAP and Wilson Pool saw increases in attendance when compared to the 2013 season. The aquatic park saw approximately 2,000 more people, while approximately 100 more people used Wilson in 2014.

“A lot of that increase has to do with the better weather that we had this year,” said Superintendent Roger Bixenman.

According to City Manager Toby Dougherty, it is normal for a pool to operate on a loss due to the high cost of operations. Commissioner Shaun Musil brought up the idea of replacing some of the structures or adding new features at the HAP so that the park doesn’t “burn out.”

“We obviously know that we have one of the best of this kind,” Musil said. “I’m afraid if we stay with what we have, it’ll get old and we might just flatline on attendance.”

Mayor Henry Schwaller said that the city has approximately $2.3 million designated for the pool, but it will most likely be used for maintenance costs over the next five to 10 years.

The HRC also reported a first-time profit of around $16,000 at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex. It is the first time that the facility has turned a profit in its short lifespan. Commissioners discussed adding more shade structures and playgrounds, but agreed to wait on those items until there was more concrete financial history at the complex.

According to Parks Director Jeff Boyle, there are already several tournaments and events booked at the facility for upcoming season.