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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 03 12 Informational 101 Splash Playground Operational ImprovementsCOMMISSION AGENDA ITEM 101 March 12, 2012 Regular Meeting Informational X Consent Public Hearings Regular KS City Manager CC Department REQUEST: The Parks and Recreation Department requests the City Commission to review the information presented regarding Splash Park Operations. SYNOPSIS: In order to ensure the highest possible levels of customer service and fiscal responsibility, we are continually analyzing operations at all our parks and facilities. In this regard, we are informing the City Commission of the following intended operational improvements at our Splash Parks. After careful study and analysis, we are intending to adjust Splash Park daily operational hours to 10am -4pm (currently 10am -5pm) and days of operation to Wednesday- Sunday (currently open 7 days per week). CONSIDERATIONS: . Last season, Parks & Rec Staff administered a "daily utilization survey" at our Splash Parks to obtain daily guest participant counts at each Splash Park. Our goal was to identify peak and non -peak usage days. Survey results depicted the following daily customer usage: Splash Park Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun Torcaso 8 12 14 15 24 14 4 Trotwood 37 40 47 50 40 46 48 • As shown above, the survey identified the peak days for use of Splash Park to be generally Wednesday through Sunday at both playgrounds. • Torcaso Park's attendance (including Sundays) is low primarily due to $10 cost of individual membership and $5 daily fee. This will be evaluated later this Informational 101 PAGE 1 OF 3 - March 12, 2012 year when the fees are reviewed Department -wide. We also recognized Saturday and Sunday to be Family activity days at most all of our parks. • As a result of this survey, and in order to maintain a high level of service during peak days and maximize utilization of our limited staffing resources, Parks & Rec staff is intending to, on a trial basis, adjust park "days of operation" to 5 days per week (Wed - Sun). To better serve all residents, we intend to apply these "days of operation" to both Splash Parks. • We also intend to, on a trial basis, adjust hours of operation by one hour, from l0am- 5pm to 10am -4pm. This will still accommodate the early dismissal of Schools on Wednesdays. • These adjustments may be approved by City Manager through administrative rule in the recently Commission approved Parks Ordinance. • We have a need for one day a week scheduled facility maintenance at our Splash Playgrounds as we do with our dog park and practice fields. We have identified Mondays as the best day for these operations and minimal impact in the level of service at each facility. • As a result of these adjustments, Splash Park payroll costs are reduced by $24,000 annually at the Splash Parks. (In addition to reductions in required current staff hours, we currently have a staff vacancy in Splash Park operations that will not need to be filled as a result of these adjustments). • We are still required (and will do so with these staffing adjustments) by State of Florida to do daily water sampling to insure water quality and maintain safety standards with occupancy loads. • Also, as a result of these adjustments, Operating costs (supplies, pump operations, etc.) are reduced by $2,900. • Total payroll and operating cost reductions combined will save taxpayers $26,900 annually. • We will review the results of these adjustments on an on -going basis to evaluate their effectiveness. • The Grand Opening weekend for the Splash Playgrounds this season will be March 28 -April 1. We will have kids' games, vendors, balloons and membership sign -ups. We will also inform all guests of the new guidelines, playground hours and parks ordinance. All guests during this week will enjoy use of the Splash Playgrounds at no cost. • We opened early due to an Easter event on April 7 th at loam, where the Splash Playground will be closed for the Saturday Community Event. Total 2011 Seasonal Memberships at both Splash Playgrounds were 1,764. We have assessed that 47% of these memberships were Winter Springs residents. We project an increase in memberships due to advertising & marketing efforts. At a future date, we will evaluate our current department fees and bring back information and recommendations to the Commission for consideration. FISCAL IMPACT: These adjustments will reduced payroll and operating costs by a total of $26,900 at the Informational 101 PAGE 2 OF 3 - March 12, 2012 Splash Parks. COMMUNICATION EFFORTS: This Agenda Item has been electronically forwarded to the Mayor and City Commission, City Manager, City Attorney /Staff, and is available on the City's Website, LaserFiche, and the City's Server. Additionally, portions of this Agenda Item are typed verbatim on the respective Meeting Agenda which has also been electronically forwarded to the individuals noted above, and which is also available on the City's Website, LaserFiche, and the City's Server; has been sent to applicable City Staff, Media/Press Representatives who have requested Agendas /Agenda Item information, Homeowner's Associations/Representatives on file with the City, and all individuals who have requested such information. This information has also been posted outside City Hall, posted inside City Hall with additional copies available for the General Public, and posted at five (5) different locations around the City. Furthermore, this information is also available to any individual requestors. City Staff is always willing to discuss this Agenda Item or any Agenda Item with any interested individuals. All available communication efforts will be performed to inform Park Users of the new Splash Park days and hours of operation. In addition, signs will be posted to inform private providers that they are not permitted to bring buses of kids in except on permitted days and must schedule trips through the Parks & Recreation Department. This was a disruption for our local guests last season. The Grand Opening weekend for the Splash Playgrounds this season will be March 28- April 1. We will also inform all guests of the new Splash Park days and hours of operation during this event. RECOMMENDATION: The Parks & Recreation Department requests the City Commission receive and review the information provided in this Agenda Item. ATTACHMENTS: None Informational 101 PAGE 3 OF 3 - March 12, 2012