Pool Profitability
Revenue-generating ideas to help keep your budget afloat
By Stacy St. Clair
Tropicanoe Cove in Lafayette, Ind., also knows how critical careful management can be. Like all Midwest waterparks, the facility can grapple with uncooperative weather much of the summer.
In total, half a recent season's days were either rainy or cooler than 80 degrees. Still, the facility managed to net a small profit.
Park officials, for example, took great care to make sure they weren't overstaffed. If cool weather emptied the park, managers sent employees home rather than have them guard a vacant pool.
"Controlling your expenses is just as important as any ride," says Vicki Mayes, director of the Lafayette Parks and Recreation Department.
No business plan, however, will do more for the bottom line than customer service. Patrons don't like to feel overcharged and warm to niceties such as free parking and the ability to bring food into the park.
"Success depends upon returning guests," Water World's Loose says. "We want to treat our guests well."
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