2024-003 Aquatics Master Plan January 12,2024 Report No. 2024-003
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
The preliminary Aquatics Master Plan was presented on September 26, 2023. Following the
presentation, staff were requested to provide supplementary information through an Informal
Staff Report to address the questions raised by the Council during the work session.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Denton Parks and Recreation Department manages three outdoor aquatic facilities:
Water Works Park (WWP), Civic Center Pool (CCP), and the Carl Gene Young, Sr.
Sprayground. The City also shares the Denton Natatorium (NAT) with the Denton Independent
School District (DISD). The Aquatics Division operates year-round to support recreational,
competitive, and leisure swimming opportunities for the community.
The Aquatics Master Plan scope consisted of data collection, public engagement, needs
assessment, conceptual designs, prioritization, probable cost for recommended improvements,
and an economic and operational impact study that will guide the Aquatics Division for the next
10-15 years or more.
DISCUSSION:
1. What is the current usage of DISD vs Public for lap lane space in the competition
pool?
The current hours of operation for the NAT total 86.75 hours per week. Of that, 70% of the
overall use is dedicated to the City of Denton while 30% is utilized by DISD. When looking at
the use of the lap pool during peak hours (hours most desired by the public as well as DISD), the
percentage of use is 42%by the City and 58%by DISD. Peak hours are Monday through Friday
from 5:30-9 a.m. and 4-7 p.m., as well as Saturday mornings from 9 a.m.-Noon.
Natatorium Competition Pool Utilization During the School Year: August-May
Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Total
Open 1:00 p.m. 5:30 a.m. 5:30 a.m. 5:30 a.m. 5:30 a.m. 5:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m.
Close 5:00 p.m. 8:15 p.m. 8:15 p.m. 8:15 p.m. 8:15 p.m. 8:15 p.m. 6:00 p.m.
Total
Hours 4 14.75 14.75 14.75 14.75 14.75 9 86.75
January 12, 2024 Report No. 2024-003
%Total % of Peak Hours
Weekly Utilization 5:30-9 a.m. and 5-8:15 p.m.
30% 39%
70% 4&0P 61% 4L%
■Denton ISD ■COD COD ■Denton ISC
2. Provide a summary of WWP/NAT financial history of profit vs deficit.
The "Aquatic Center" is comprised of the NAT and WWP,which share a financial and
operational joint-use agreement with DISD. Financially, the net deficit is divided between both
agencies for payment at the end of each fiscal year. FY 22-23 net deficit was $ (2,299,331).
Facility insurance is held by both agencies and is thus removed from the portion split for
repayment. A Task-Time Analysis tracker is applied to remove salary dedicated to staff time
serving in areas outside of the NAT/WWP. According to the joint-use agreement, DISD will be
responsible for$1,033,801 of FY 22-23's net deficit.
WWP FY Comparison FY 22-23 FY 21-22 FY 20-21 FY 19-20 FY 18-19
WWP Facility Rentals $ 104,817 $ 89,891 $ 85,107 $ 1,396 $ 114,675
WWP Admissions $ 798,546 $ 781,394 $ 781,477 $ 28,211 $ 862,844
WWP Gift Shop $ 44,881 $ 41,138 $ 43,211 $ 627 $ 8,047
WWP Concessions $ 162,345 $ 172,087 $ 126,645 $ 1,569 $ 178,208
WWP LockersNendor $ 2,567 $ 3,852 $ 3,209 $ - $ 4,560
WWP Programs $ 773 $ 1,581 $ 126 $ - $ 25,410
Total Revenue $ 1,113,929 $ 1,089,943 $ 1,039,775 $ 31,803 $ 1,193,744
Total Expenditures $ 1,804,591 $ 1,530,396 $ 1,150,283 $ 525,577 $ 1,299,825
Water Works Park NET $ 690,662 $ 440,453 $ 110,508 $ 493,774 $ 106,081
Variance Notes for WWP:
1. An adult admission ticket in 2003 was $10. In FY 22-23 it was $10 for under 48" and
$14 for over 48". The change to height-determined pricing was made in FY 07-08.
2. A season pass in 2003 was $75. In 2023, it is $80 (raised by $5 in 2022).
3. Wage increases were implemented in FY 21-22 for temp/seasonals and in FY 22-23
for FT staff.
4. FY 22-23 was the first season back to pre-COVID operation hours from FY 18-19.
January 12,2024 Report No. 2024-003
NAT FY Comparison FY 22-23 FY 21-22 FY 20-21 FY 19-20 FY 18-19
NAT Facility Rentals $ 43,952 $ 51,948 $ 19,395 $ 26,764 $ 56,569
NAT Admissions $ 118,970 $ 117,970 $ 83,744 $ 28,355 $ 126,411
City Aquatic Programs $ 287,621 $ 192,633 $ 171,156 $ 24,080 $ 202,245
NAT Concessions $ 13,312 $ 5,719 $ 3,534 $ 308 $ 4,272
NAT Merch $ 10,185 $ 7,463 $ 4,168 $ 978 $ 6,759
Total Revenue $ 474,305 $ 375,733 $ 281,997 $ 80,485 $ 396,256
Total Expenditures $ 2,082,974 $ 1,866,644 $ 1,447,319 $ 1,315,946 $ 1,581,925
Natatorium NET $ 1,608,669 $ 1,490,911 $ 1,165,322 $ 1,235,461 $ 1,185,669
Variance Notes for the NAT.
1. An adult admission ticket in 2003 was $3. In 2023 it is $4 (resident pricing).
2. Wage increases were implemented in FY 21-22 for temp/seasonals, and in FY 22-23
for full-time staff.
3. Natatorium was closed for repairs from June 12-Aug 14, 2023.
3. Address next steps for developing business models based on multiple partnership
scenarios and proposed usage.
The next steps to determine the feasibility of a partnership between the City of Denton, DISD,
and UNT that would incorporate the potential expansion of the existing Natatorium. This
initiative would include contracting with a consultant to meet with partners and determine
scenarios for the funding, operations, and scheduling of a future facility. A consultant-led study
would help determine the capital investment, facility usage, design considerations, and program
schedules required to meet the individual needs of each agency. In September 2023, staff met
with DISD and UNT to consider the Aquatic Master Plan's three options for expansion(pages
49-58). Support to request a quote for an operational study of"Option C: Platform Diving on 50-
M Addition"resulted from this discussion. Co-funding options for the study are being explored
at this time.
4. Does the City have internal geographic survey data that shows where patrons are
coming from when they visit our aquatic facilities?
Currently, Parks and Recreation does not have internal tracking capabilities to evaluate the
location of origin of our guests when visiting aquatic facilities. Civic Rec is the software system
used for membership and daily drop in sales. The system tracks whether guests are resident or
non-resident only.
January 12,2024 Report No. 2024-003
5. When comparing facilities like "The Cove" in Little Elm and "Epic Waters" in
Grand Prairie,there are commonalities in combined facilities with recreation and
waterpark amenities. How does the Aquatic Master Plan address similar attractions in
relation to Southwest Park?
Concepts for Southwest Park could combine recreation spaces (both indoor and outdoor)with
aquatics. Options within the Master Plan beginning on page 60 include considerations for lap
swimming, competition spaces, therapy/wellness pool, water park components, and flex spaces.
The space at Southwest Park could bring unique opportunities for a year-round facility that
attracts families, competition events, and tourism attractions. As the aquatics industry evolves,
options for amenities in this area will continue to expand.
CONCLUSION:
Barring any further questions from Council, the Aquatics Master Plan will be presented to
Council for adoption at a Council meeting in February 2024.
STAFF CONTACT:
Monica Martin
Program Area Manager, Parks and Recreation
Monica.Martin@cityofdenton.com
(940) 349-8808
REQUESTOR: Response to various questions asked during the work session presentation.
STAFF TIME TO COMPLETE REPORT: 5 hours
PARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS: Parks and Recreation