There is no question about it, the Battlefords Co-op Aquatic Centre has been one huge hit with the public.
That is clear from the revenue numbers released by city administration that show a five fold jump from August to September following the opening of the new facility.
The numbers were revealed at the Parks and Recreation Committee meeting Monday and made public later that day at city council.
According to the September revenue report, public swim admissions brought in revenues of $38,491.14.
Parks and Recreation Director Keith Anderson said that compared to approximately $7,300 in public swim revenues in August, the final full month of operation for the now-closed Kinsmen Aquatic Centre.
The September figures are even more remarkable considering that the new Co-op Aquatic Centre was only open 16 days during that month.
It was noted by Anderson that the aquatic centre was still enjoying a "honeymoon period. It's a real curiosity," said Anderson.
Aquatic centre manager Jodi Hargreaves told the Parks and Recreation Committee that the aquatic centre was averaging 800 patrons a day.
As for the regular construction update of CUPlex components, Anderson noted there was still some fine-tuning with mechanical systems and parts at the facility.
As for other facilities, the ice is in at the Northland Power Curling Centre and it was noted at Monday's council meeting the facility had opened to curling that very night. The official grand opening is scheduled for 3 p.m. Oct. 27.
At the Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts, which is now open, Anderson noting there is still some cleanup of odds and ends and some concrete work happening outside.
The field house is the only component still to be completed. Anderson noted the completion date for that component is now Dec. 10 following the last site meeting. That is due to the time needed for concrete on the court floor to cure. The building itself will be 100 per cent complete prior to that happening, he added.
The popularity of the newly opened facilities in the early going has brought about an additional problem - the need for additional parking for the CUPlex.
Already, parking lots have been jammed during times when multiple events are running simultaneously at the various facilities. Mayor Ian Hamilton assured the public that more parking is on the way. Anderson noted gravel perimeter parking is to be developed to accommodate an additional 350 cars.
