It’s been one of the rainiest summers in Carmel’s recorded history. And that’s mean fewer days to relax by the pool.
The Monon Community Center Waterpark has been closed more than it ever has since it was first built, according to Carmel Clay Parks Director Mark Westermeier.
“The Waterpark got off to a very slow start this year. In the month of June we were closed eight days, which were more days than we’ve ever been closed during an entire season,” he said.
Westermeier said the sluggish start initially hurt revenue since it’s not just annual members who use the park.
“Our pool revenue is really dependent on day pass users,” he said. “On the days we’ve been open, our revenue is higher than it’s ever been but we just haven’t been open enough days.”
The good news is that good weather in July pushed the Waterpark’s attendance numbers. On days when the Waterpark is open, there have been plenty of people in the pool.
“July was also sluggish in the beginning, but we finally had some great weather, which was both hot and sunny,” he said. “So at the end of July we are about the same place as we were last year and are very hopeful for a few good weekends before the season ends which could push us to actually beat last year’s numbers. Overall I’m very pleased where we are considering the weather this year, we even had a day in August that the temperature never got close to 70 degrees, which is our minimum temperature for opening, and that is a first for sure as August has historically been our hottest month. This Waterpark season has certainly been shrouded with strange weather.”
The Waterpark will close for the season on Sept. 7.
