Residents question splash pad fees and water costs; city explains fees and break-even targets

Residents at the July 20 meeting asked for clarity about splash pad fees, gate access and the water bill. City staff explained that the splash pad charges $3 for residents and $5 for nonresidents, requires a waiver and bracelet for timed entry, and that the operation aims for a break-even of about $400 a day.

One resident asked whether the splash pad was using recycled water; staff said the system uses potable water and that initial bills had been higher than anticipated. Staff said they are adjusting schedules and staffing to reduce operating costs and expect to track daily revenue and attendance to meet the target. “It’s about $400 a day,” a staff member said of the break-even target; staff also said a new schedule should help bring the daily average up.