Published: July 10, 2009 12:18 pm      

Paradise Cove revenue down almost 10 percent

Officials blame weather, delayed school closing

Attendance and revenue at the Paradise Cove aquatic center in Richmond’s Lake Reba Park through June 30 are both down from last year.

The 22,953 paid admissions from May 23, when the aquatic center opened, through June 30 were 2,577 fewer than in 2008 — a 9.9 percent decrease — the city park board was told Tuesday.

Total revenue for Paradise Cove — admissions, lessons and concessions — also was down. The $206,387 in receipts was $24,349 less — 9.4 percent — than in the year before.

However, the sale of Paradise Cove season passes more than doubled this year.

This year, season-pass sales have totaled $74,688, more than twice 2008’s $36,060.

Park officials put the blame on an abnormal number of rainy days in June and the delayed closing of the Madison County Schools.

“Whenever the weather has been fair, the pool has been packed,” said Erin Moore, assistant parks director.

Days missed because of inclement winter weather kept county schools open until June 2, nine weekdays later than normal.

Because many of the center’s lifeguards are high school students, it is not open on weekdays until after the school year ends, Moore said.

The aquatic center could make up the last days in August, thanks to a seven weekday delay in the opening of county schools.

The same rainy weather that helped put a dent aquatic center attendance also has delayed a school construction project, forcing the school board to postpone the opening of school from Aug. 12 to 24.

Paradise Cove will be open daily through Aug. 23, and open on weekends until Labor Day, Sept. 7.

Revenue also was off for Lake Reba’s Adventure Falls miniature golf course and batting cages.

Its revenue through June 30 was $47,580, down $16,740 from the year before.

Again, Moore attributed the decline to rainy weather.

The park board’s request to install a covered concrete shuffleboard court in Lake Reba near Adventure Falls has been approved by City Manager David Evans, Parks Director Kevin Gorman reported.

Park employees will construct the facility at a cost of $15,000 or less, Gorman said.

Often, the adults who bring children to Adventure Falls sit and watch, Gorman said. The shuffle board will provide an activity for them and others to enjoy, he said.

July will be an exceptionally busy month for Lake Reba, Gorman said.

The month started with the July 4 Fireworks Extravaganza. This weekend, the Daniel Boone Classic softball tournament is under way.

The following weekend, the park will host the state Little League Baseball Championship, bringing 25 teams to Richmond.

Portions of the Bluegrass State Games also will take place at the park that weekend.

Other portions of the BSG are scheduled for the next weekend. Park employees have been busy preparing the fields for those activities, Gorman said.



Bill Robinson can be reached at brobinson@richmondregister.com or at 624-6622.