Prices set

Single-day prices will stay the same.

Season pass prices for larger families will be reduced.

Rental prices are going up.

Portland Park Board approved ticket, pass and rental prices for the 2025 Portland Water Park season during its meeting Tuesday.

The board reviewed water park attendance data that shows the facility averaged 9,165 general admission visitors per year from its opening in 2016 through 2019. After a few years of seasons impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, a lifeguard shortage and repairs, the facility had 9,918 general admission visitors in 2023 and 9,442 in 2024.

At February’s meeting, park board member Michael Brewster requested that the board consider the possibility of increasing the daily admission rate, which has been $5 since the facility opened nearly a decade ago. Data provided by board president Brian Ison showed that such an increase would bring in an additional estimated $9,500 in revenue, assuming no change in attendance.

“I’m not sure if that increase would impact your attendance,” said Ison. “Would that drop your attendance and then impact your income at the end of the year?”

Street and parks department superintendent Matt Shauver noted that the pool heater will be in use for its first full season, which could help to boost attendance.

Park board member Jennifer Weitzel said she wasn’t sure if the $1 increase was worthwhile, with Brewster agreeing that it would not have a significant impact.

Board members John McFarland, Ison, Brewster and Weitzel, absent Shauna Runkle, then voted to approve 2025 prices as recommended by Ison last month.

The only changes are as follows:

•Reducing the annual passes for families of four and five individuals by $25 to $200 and $250, respectively

•Reducing the annual pass for families of six or more by $50 to $275

•Increasing the pool rental fee to $150 per hour

Daily admission will remain at $5 before 5 p.m. and $3 after 5 p.m. Ten-day passes will be available for $50.

Board members also asked that water park staff track closures because of inclement weather.

Ison also noted that he plans to schedule interviews for the pool manager and assistant manager jobs with a goal of making a hire next month.

The board also heard a request from Dru Hall for the Portland Rockets to place a new storage building in the area behind home plate at Portland Memorial Park’s Runkle-Miller Field. He indicated that the team has raised funds for the building and materials and requested that the city provide the labor.

Park staff expressed concern about the proximity of the building to property line.

The board took no action on the request, instead asking Shauver to work with Portland clerk-treasurer Lori Phillips on having the property surveyed.

Hall said while the Rockets would like to have the building in place as soon as possible, the ultimate goal is to have it in place Aug. 1 to be available to store equipment following the team’s 2025 season.

In other business, the board:

•Heard an update from parks manager Ronnie Reynolds, who noted that vents have been added to some park restrooms, water park equipment is out for repairs, the fountains have been installed in the pond at Hudson Family Park, work is underway on roofing at Runkle-Miller Field, work is planned to fix the exhaust fan in the concession stand at Weiler-Wilson Park and new playground equipment is scheduled to be installed at Haynes Park next week.

•Discussed a request from Portland resident Luke Darby to purchase 0.7 acres from the park board to the east of the former Community and Family Services property he owns at 521 S. Wayne St. The board tabled the issue to seek feedback from city attorney Wes Schemenaur regarding the proper process for making such a sale.

•Heard a brief update from Ison regarding planning for a possible park at the former site of the Bailey Building, 211 W. Main St. He said he is still receiving feedback and has been in contact with community coordinator Darlesia Lee regarding possible grants. He added that he has talked with Portland Mayor Jeff Westlake about getting the property leveled out and seeded with grass.

•Approved a request to use the softball fields and restrooms at Portland Memorial Park beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 3, for a benefit tournament for the family of Alysia Mann.

•Discussed plans to hold its annual park walk-through at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 22. Ison asked board members, Shauver and Reynolds for input about what parks to visit this year.