By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
It’s no longer the newest aquatic park in the region and attendance at the Hays Aquatic Park (HAP) has steadily declined since it was built 15 years ago–from a high of 83,162 attendees in 2000 to 46,473 attendees in 2015.
During a joint meeting Thursday night between Hays city commissioners and the Hays Recreation Commission (HRC), the city commission learned Hays’ share of the subsidization for HAP and the neighborhood Wilson Swimming Pool is $15,706.06. HRC will subsidize the other $15,706.06 of the year’s total operating loss–$31,402.12.
HRC Superintendent Roger Bixenman told commissioners that inclement weather was a factor this summer in lowered attendance at HAP. “When you include our fitness classes and pool party rentals, we had about 51,000 patrons this summer,” he pointed out. “That’s a pretty good draw in three months in my opinion.”
Attendance at Wilson Pool has remained fairly steady, averaging about 3,600 the past five years.
Ideas for increasing attendance and revenue were discussed.
“The HRC board voted two years ago to increase the HAP daily adult swim pass from three dollars to four dollars. Right now, we’re aggressively trying to sell annual passes for next year as Christmas gifts,” Bixenman said. “Another thought we had is to sell advertising on the digital marquee sign in front of the pool.”
“The board has had discussions about increasing the youth rates (for season passes) but we want to keep it affordable. We do offer scholarships for qualified low-income kids,” he added.
Vice-Mayor Shaun Musil suggested selling advertising banners on the pool fencing.
“You see it at all the ball parks. It’s not beautiful but it might bring in a little more money,” he said.
A discount for out-of-town attendees was suggested by Commissioner Henry Schwaller.
“Ten-year-olds don’t drive themselves to Hays. But that Plainville mom might be more interested in driving 30 minutes if the entrance fee is reduced,” Schwaller said.
Director of Parks Jeff Boyle, along with the city commissioners, complimented the HRC staff in its operation of both swimming pools.
“They do a great job,” said Commissioner James Meier. “The staff at our pools is patient with the kids and they’re not rude. They’re head and shoulders above everybody else at other pools I’ve taken my kids to.”