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Aquacourt sees nearly 43,000 visitors during 2023
The Hastings Aquacourt Water Park saw a successful 2023 season.
The Aquacourt season ended Sunday, Aug. 13 with a total of 42,970 visitors over the course of the season. That amount was an increase from 39,522 during the previous year, in 2022.
In 2021, there were 50,388 visitors.
Hastings Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Hassenstab said attendance is dictated by weather. This summer was considered a mild one when it came to temperature.
he said numbers were higher in 2021 because it followed a year in 2020 when the pool remained closed due to COVID-19.
There were 842 season passes sold this year, compared to 760 in 2022 and 907 in 2021.
“The Aquacourt had a successful season thanks in large part to the pool and maintenance staff,” he said. “Staff overcame the lazy river leak and finished the season strong.”
The lazy river began losing water late on June 6. Parks and Recreation Department staff members were adding 20,000 gallons of water per day to the lazy river from June 7 until the decision was made to close the feature on June 12.
A significant hole was discovered in one of the return pipes of the lazy river. The damaged pipe was then replaced and the lazy river reopened on July 7.
The Aquacourt was closed all day four times and closed early eight times.
Hassenstab said that is consistent with past years.
In addition to routine maintenance, the maintenance plans are to paint the lazy river, refurbish the slides, and continue to update pumps and chlorine systems.
New shade sails will be added for next year. That was a hail insurance item.
The Aquacourt, which opens Memorial Day weekend, closes in mid-August as school begins and limits the availability of lifeguards.
Even though the Aquacourt is now closed for the summer, the splash pad at Libs Park and wading pools at Heartwell and Lincoln parks will give Hastings-area residents an opportunity to cool down, remaining open through Labor Day weekend.
Published Date: 08/21/2023