HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-09-10 PACKET 09.A.City of
Cotta Grove
Minnesota
To: Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
From: Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director
CC: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator
Date: September 4, 2012
Subject: Highlands Park Splash Pad Update
Since the last splash pad update, usage is still at very high levels. Although total attendance figures for
August declined approximately 25% from July, this was to be expected considering August had nearly
two weeks of below normal temperatures. As high daily temperatures get below 80 degrees,
attendance declines rapidly. However, during these same periods utilization of water parks and
beaches in the twin cities also experienced similar declines. Although drop -in usage declines during
cooler weather patterns, usage is still significant through party rentals, play dates and field trips that
continue to bring in groups of people. Those groups may not use the splash pad itself as much but still
have the ability to enjoy the rest of the parks amenities such as the ballfield, playground, tennis courts,
basketball courts, trails and buildings. Even with the declined August numbers, total usage is estimated
at 17,500 through Labor Day. This essentially triples the usage of the municipal pools five -year
average. The splash pad continues to contribute towards making Highlands Park a family destination
for the community.
As attendance dropped during the cooler days in August, so did the water usage. As of September 4,
2012 (Labor Day) water consumption is estimated at 4 million gallons. This compares to approximately
1.5 million gallons of water used to operate the municipal pool and continues to be less than 1 % of the
community's total water usage. Although we still hear a small amount of concerns regarding the flow -
through design, we've also heard positive responses particularly with the public health scares this
season at the Como Park Splash Pad (St Paul), Lilly Lake Beach (Stillwater) and Lake Elmo Beach
(Oakdale). The flow- through design is a very good design in regards to public health and safety
concerns.
The Highlands Park building has permitted 30 rentals to date for the 2012 season. This compares to
10 rentals in 2011 and an increase of nearly $2,000 in facility rental revenue. We would expect these
numbers to increase as more residents and perhaps non - residents become aware of this opportunity.
Splash pad operations are running as expected. Regular maintenance has been minimal. One park
maintenance staff person spends approximately an hour each day cleaning /opening the restrooms and
splash pad. A police officer closes the restrooms each evening.
Areas of improvement that we are currently working on include:
1. Correcting grading issues and improving water runoff issues. This issue was delayed so that
construction crews had ample access to the site without worrying about splash pad users.
2. Adding rule /informational signage.
3. Adding seating areas.
4. Work with EDA to add signage promoting local businesses, community and parks.
We expect to close the splash pad no later than September 23 If weather or usage patterns suggest
otherwise an earlier closing may be considered. We would anticipate placing a sign at the splash pad
warning users of the closure. This extended season is another positive feature for the community.