Woodburn Aquatic Center Case Study Presenters: Jim Row, City of
Transcription
Woodburn Aquatic Center Case Study Presenters: Jim Row, City of
Woodburn Aquatic Center Case Study Presenters: Jim Row, City of Woodburn Community Services Director Kristin Wierenga, Recreation Services Manager • In 2010, City of Woodburn was facing a significant general fund shortfall • Aquatic Center required a $500,000 general fund subsidy (27% cost recovery) • Frequent target of budgetary reductions • Conducted an independent program analysis & operational review • Initiated a “Turnaround” modeled after the success achieved in Astoria • Improvements completed over an 8-month implementation period Initiated Improvements to • Management, recruitment & staffing • Safety & training • Marketing & advertising • Programming • Pricing & fee structure • Merchandise & concessions sales • Maintenance & facility improvements Desired Impacts • Expanded facility usage • Improved financial sustainability • Increased facility longevity • “Interim Manager” responsible for implementation • Permanent manager recruited that possessed financial, marketing, & related “business” skills • Cross-trained part time employees • Consolidated staffing model is “leaner & meaner” • Implemented automated timekeeping system • Converted to New Lifeguard Training Program • Implemented Vigilance Awareness Training • More Clearly Identified Zones of Protection • Regular “Supervisor” Conducted Lifeguard Audits • Annual Independent Safety/ Lifeguarding Audits • Created marketing plan that included social media to effectively target our demographics • Improved website & registration experience • Created rack card to attract “out of towners” • Redesigned print materials & expanded distribution • New logo, photos and specific focus on branding in all marketing efforts • Return on investment “rule” for advertising • Created specific campaigns throughout the year (i.e. March Promotion) • Social media promotions • Developed new swim lesson program with additional day offerings & different session structure • New party rental room & structure • Created group “dry land” fitness program • Specific programming goals with events • New schedule focus for all activities • Monthly membership program • Developed child care program • New jr. lifeguard program & aqua day camps • Started masters swim program • Increased community partnerships • Belly Flop Contest • Spooky Splash • Egg Hunt • Summer Kick Off Party • Fee increases implemented along with program improvements • Eliminated non-resident fees • Changed membership structure • Swimming lesson fees did not Increase • Simplified, expanded & promoted scholarship program • In 2014, updated fees again creating member vs non-member structure • Remodeled lobby/ front counter • Enhanced retail & concessions sales through creation of “Pool Store” • Promotions – “Black Friday Sale” Merchandise/ Concessions Revenue Increased 83% FY 10/11 $17,385 FY 13/14 $31,891 Changed approach to maintenance • Contracted for janitorial service • Outsourced facility maintenance and hired pool operator Reinvested savings into capital improvement projects • Remodeled lobby & employee area • Created dry land exercise room • Re-plastered pool • LED underwater lights • New pumps & VFD’s • Painted entire facility • • Comparing 2010/2011 to 2013/2014 • Pass holders/ memberships (47% increase) • Activity participation in swimming programs, including lessons (4% increase) Comparing 2011/2012 to 2013/2014 • Rental registrations (164% increase) • Activity participation in group X classes (165% increase - added dry land in 2012) • Total facility attendance (13% increase) FY 10/11 FY 13/14 % Change Revenues Expenditures GF Subsidy $179,035 $671,527 $492,492 $253,893 $508,569 $254,676 42% (24%) (48%) Cost Recovery 27% 50% • Keeping expectations reasonable • Many controversies • Pool temperature • Fees (timing of increases, elimination of NR fees) • Changes to membership structure • Programming changes • Swim club relations • Maintaining customer service with reduced staffing • Continual assessments of programs, fees, schedule, etc. • Special marketing campaigns • Opportunities & areas for improvement • Further training & development of swim lesson program • Outdoor programming &/or joint recreation programming • Further increases in activities & participation • Increasing party rental registrations • Continuing to lower general fund subsidy & increase cost recovery • Customer service Jim Row [email protected] Kristin Wierenga [email protected]