Washington City Pool Attendance Is Up, Revenue Down This Summer

Sizzling spring and summer days is likely the cause for a spike in the year-to-date attendance at the Agnes Nolting Aquatics Complex in Washington.

According to June 15 numbers, pool attendance was up nearly 15 percent from 6,253 in 2012 to 7,148 at the same time this year.

At the end of May, attendance was more than double what it was at the same time in 2011, from 1,370 to 2,872.

“I think the difference is due to the temperature and the hot weather we had in early spring,” said Darren Dunkle, parks director.

Dunkle said that sometimes, when the pool first opens, people don’t attend as much because the water is cold, but having a warmer than normal spring led to higher numbers early on.

Despite attendance being higher than last year, Dunkle noted that the total daily deposits are down compared to last year, from $43,248 last year to $39,081.25 this year.

“Those with season passes are coming more often,” Dunkle said, “but revenue is down because the economy is still sputtering. Some people can’t afford to buy season passes or attend that often.”

The sales of group passes for up to five people, group pass plus two and plus three were down, but were up for group pass plus one. The group pass allows five people and charges a $10 fee for each additional person up to three people.

Revenue for the number of child passes remained the same, at $200, while revenue for adult passes, child coupons and adult coupons all were slightly down.

Dunkle said he is pleased with the pool attendance and revenue so far this summer.