The Future of Quarterpath Pool October 8, 2012
The Big Questions Primary Purpose: Swimming lessons or recreation? What can Williamsburg do that others can t or that differentiates us? Pool Open: How do we increase our outreach and expand our user base? Pool Closure: What other options available to City residents?
Map of Pools
Map of Pools, Con t
The Public Pool Industry Pools nationwide facing problems 40%-60% cost recovery is considered doing well Actual range varies widely and is heavily dependent on the type of facility Quarterpath 2012: 12% Quarterpath 2011: 16.5% Quarterpath 2010: 18% Quarterpath 2009: 10.2% Why do some pools stay open? Strong community support Transition away from simple lap pool design Monopoly in aquatics
The Local Pool Environment JCC (3), YMCA, Water Country, Neighborhoods (38) JCC began direct mailing campaign w/schools Pools offering incentives, amenities, events Private pools expressed financial difficulties Strong swim team environment (15 local teams)
Competition 1982: ~ 14 pools in area (1 municipal) 2012: At least 42 pools in area (4 municipal) Rapid population growth but declines at QP Pools per capita: NRPA recommends 1 for every 20,000 residents
*The vertical bars in the graph correspond to notable events that affected Quarterpath Pool, such as the opening of competitors or operational changes. From left to right these events are: the opening of Water Country (1984), the opening the James City County Recreation Center (1986), the renovation of the JCC Recreation Center (1997), the City only offering 2 sessions of swim lessons (2001), the opening of the RF Wilkinson YMCA (2007), and the first year Quarterpath Pool reduced hours (2010). **Some drops are attributable to poor weather, most notably 1972 and 1974.
Recent Operating Data Table 1: Operating Data for Quarterpath Pool, 2009-2012 2009 2010 2011 2012 Contract $63,900 $36,900 $36,900 $36,900 Open Swim $6,514 $6,635 $6,071 $4,410 Fees Paid 2,960 2,047 2,031 1,414 Attendance Memberships 9 11 18 13 Hours Per Week 44 25 25 25 The City reduced the hours per week the pool was open after 2009 in order to reduce the contract amount.
Swim Lesson Comparison Table 2: Non-private Swim Lessons in Hampton Roads Price, Ages 3-5 Price, Ages 6+ Non-resident Fee Williamsburg $20 $40 N/A James City County $40 $40 +$5 Hampton $40 $40 N/A Newport News $35 $35 N/A Norfolk $30 $30 +$15 Poquoson $40 $50 +$10 Water Country $45 $45 +$5 for non-pass members YMCA $13-$20 $13-$20 +$40-$45 for non-members
Option 1: Perform Needed Maintenance Keep pool as is but with maintenance and new amenities Maintenance: Filter, decking, new coating, test for leaks, renovate wading pool Operations: Contract, swim lessons, expand hours Furniture/Shade Tents New options: Rentals, marketing campaign
Option 1: Perform Needed Maintenance (Expenses) Maintenance: $120,000-$145,000 With wading pool: $157,500-$182,500 Operations with current hours: $39,660 With expanded hours: $67,210 Furniture/Shade: $39,350 New Options: $6,550 Total One Time: $159,350-$184,350 With wading pool: $196,850-$221,850 Total Recurring with current hours: $46,210 With expanded hours: $73,760
Option 1: Perform Needed Maintenance (Revenues) Open Swim (20% recapture): $12,890 Open Swim (25% recapture): $16,113 Swimming Lessons (120): $4,080 Pool Rentals (5): $375 Total Recurring (20% recapture): $17,345 Total Recurring (25% recapture): $20,568 Yearly operations: $17,345 - $73,760 = -$56,415 With 25% recapture: -$53,192
Option 2: Close the Pool Maintenance: 2 choices Demolition: $100,000 Non-permanent closure: $150 No Operational Expenses or Revenues Sell ADA-lift: up to $7,960
Option 3: Community Partnership City moves into support role, directs customers to partner Partner provides swimming lessons for City residents To begin in Summer 2013 Operations: Funding to partner: $3,000 Scholarship fund for disadvantaged kids: $2,000 Advertise lessons: $1,500 Total Recurring Expenses: $6,500 Maintenance: $150 Sell ADA-lift: up to $7,960
Future Considerations for Pool Area Refocus on Parks & Recreation strengths High demand for: More volleyball courts More basketball courts Potential to expand Quarterpath Rec Center
Summary of Options Table 3: Financial Summary of Options Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 One Time Exp $159,350- $184,350 $150 or $100,000 $150 One Time Rev N/A $7,960 $7,960 Recurring Exp $73,760 N/A $6,500 Recurring Rev $17,345 N/A N/A
Next Steps Recommend pursuing Option 3 Work with Williamsburg Community Pool to create a swim lesson program Have Parks & Recreation and Human Services begin discussing the scholarship logistics Begin planning for new courts or amenities in the former pool space.