BlackburnNews.com file photo of Adventure Bay Water ParkBlackburnNews.com file photo of Adventure Bay Water Park
Windsor

Attendance Slipping At City's Water Park

Attendance is slipping at the city's new downtown water park, down 32% from the time it opened.

About 116,000 people visited the park last year, compared to 171,000 in 2014 -- its inaugural year.

The city's chief financial officer Onorio Colucci says that wasn't exactly unexpected.

"The first year of any new facility there's a 'shiny new toy syndrome,'" he says. "Obviously that wears off a little bit and hopefully you get to a steady state attendance."

Colucci says the facility is a family-friendly place, not something designed to turn a profit.

"It's probably a third the cost of what major water parks would charge in Michigan or Ohio," Colucci. "All our facilities are run for residents with pricing that is conducive to affordability for our residents."

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For a full-day weekend rate, it costs $18 for any adult or child 42" and over who lives in Windsor. If you live outside the city, it'll cost $23.

Anyone under 42" within city limits will pay $13, while everyone else will be charged $18.

The city hopes to boost attendance by spending $50,000 on advertising this year.

Adventure Bay's operating hours have also been adjusted to take advantage of peak times and save some money when it's not busy.

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