By: Sarah Wright | Troy Times | Published August 13, 2024
TROY — More than 20,000 people have come to the Troy Family Aquatic Center this season so far, but according to a recent study, some upgrades and rebranding could bring much more attention to the Troy amenity.
Troy Recreation Director Brian Goul said some changes have been made and more are coming to bring the aquatic center into the future, which so far this season has had revenues of over $310,000.
The city paid somewhere around $10,000 for the services of Global Management Amusement Professionals, which offers consulting for different amusement-based organizations and businesses. Goul, Recreation Supervisor Morgan Thrasher and Deputy Department of Public Works Director Dennis Trantham met GMAP President Ken Handler during the World Waterpark Symposium in October 2023, which led to representatives with GMAP visiting the Troy facilities and reviewing management and operating policies in January 2024.
In terms of the suggestions, the Aquatic Center has implemented some changes that are heavily geared toward guests’ experiences.
“At this time, some things we have done is expand on the Harvey the Octopus theme of the park by naming all the amenities in the park,” Goul said in an email. “We have also moved the entry for open swim to the blue gate in between the buildings with an inflatable Harvey at the gate to meet patrons as they enter. The facility now offers birthday parties and rents out an area in the park for parties to use.”
In terms of admission changes, recreation staff are recommending price changes to $24 per nonresident and $15 per resident during the 2025 season. The current day pass rate for nonresidents is $20 for anyone 3 years and older, and the rate for Troy residents is $12, with annual and family passes also available.
There was also a recommendation from the consultants that Troy offer special rates on cooler days, which Troy has already implemented with buy one, get one deals and 50% off deals.
Some changes to the season passes were also recommended, with a Basic Pass recommended at $49.99 per resident and $79.99 per nonresident, an Upgraded Pass at $69.99 per resident and $99.99 per nonresident, and an all-inclusive pass at $129.99 per resident and $159.99 per nonresident.
“Global Management believes it is essential that season passes are perceived as a discount on the gate fee rather than a membership,” a report states. “The new season pass rates will be a decrease in price compared to the past. A three-tier season pass system was recommended by Global Management. … The Basic Pass would be admission only with no guaranteed entry if at capacity. The Upgraded Pass would include guaranteed entry if at capacity, entry into park a half hour before open swim, discounts on concessions and cabana rental, and entry into special events. The All-Inclusive Pass will include everything in the Upgraded Pass and use of the Community Center fitness area, pool, and gym.”
Another recommendation was to change operation hours to 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekends to allow for special events and rentals in the evenings. In terms of implemented changes, the center began the current season with daily swim times like lap swim only 8-9:30 a.m. and open swim 10 a.m.-6 p.m., but changed some of the times due to public feedback. Open swim now goes 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays-Sundays.
Some issues have been with food and concessions set up at the center.
“So, the concession stand is very limited due to space and power constraints,” Goul said. “The facilities and grounds did work with us to try to get additional power, which is helping, but one of the complaints we get about the concession stand is how long the lines are or how long it takes to get the food. So we did purchase additional equipment and added staff to help assist with that, but there are only two windows in very limited spaces … so the future of concessions needs to be reviewed to ensure maximum profitability as well as good customer service.”
Other recommendations include updating lockers, adding cabanas and different recreational programs, offering souvenirs and merchandise for sale, and adding some theming to facilities, which has been done with mascot Harvey the Octopus.
“A few cabanas will be added for rental next year, and locating some lockers outside of the locker room is also being considered,” Goul said in an email.
Following a presentation, City Council members discussed the details of how the center could implement some of these ideas.
“The thing that kind of maybe took me by surprise is the undertone was very much about a waterpark … and it proposed a lot of great vision that I hope you know we’re not just going to plow forward,” City Council member Rebecca Chamberlain Creanga said. “I understand the passes maybe, but some of the vision I think, yes, we need the tours, we need to talk as a council, because I had to stop and think: Do I see it as a waterpark? Is that how I’ve used it? … What we’ve heard from city management was more about how to downsize it or, you know, what would be ideal is move parts of it closer to the Community Center, whereas this is a drastically different vision, and I read this like, ‘Oh this is really different from what I’ve been, you know, hearing all these years.’”
City officials will further consider these potential changes going into next season.
“Our Civic Center property and facilities are among our best community assets,” Troy Mayor Ethan Baker said in an email. “We must protect them; we must improve them; and we must always be looking for ways to keep them relevant and evolving for current Troy residents and future generations. We have recently commissioned a comprehensive strategic plan for our Troy Public Library, and now we are also working hard on updating our Troy Family Aquatic Center. We will continue to engage our residents, Recreation staff, and outside consultants to make sure we do what is right and best for the Aquatic Center, and for the City of Troy as a whole.”
For more information, visit troymi.gov or rec.troymi.gov/parks___facilities/troy_family_aquatic_center/index.php.