Cape Splash Family Aquatic Center has bounced back after having somewhat of a down year, despite a closing weekend marred by wet and windy weather.

While the remnants of Hurricane Isaac kept crowds down for part of Labor Day weekend, the last weekend of the water park's season, the numbers for this year were up from the year before. After a disappointing 2011 that was plagued by rain, attendance climbed to 91,300 over a 2012 season that saw record-setting temperatures.

Cape Parks and Recreation supervisor Penny Williams said a rebound was expected if the weather cooperated.

"We're in a position with Cape Splash where Mother Nature plays a huge role in our success. This year, we just happened to get a summer full of hot, sunny days," Williams said. "I will say that, along with the sun, the park staff has been very creative and executed some new ideas to attract bigger crowds."

In its debut year of 2010, the $6.1 million water park exceeded expectations, drawing an average daily attendance of about 1,300 in the weeks after it opened. But last year, spotty weather dragged down the overall attendance figure from 106,108 to 78,855 and gross receipts from admissions and concession fell from $667,145 to $533,407. This year, total attendance went up nearly by 12,500 and receipts increased to $577,177.

Grayson Rawson, 3, of Oran, Mo., keeps his eyes shut as he goes down the water slide Monday, Sept. 3, 2012, in Cape Girardeau. Monday was the last day of the season for the water park. (Laura Simon)

Net revenue figures won't be available until October, because some bills for the season are still being paid, Williams said.

"I'd call this a very successful season for us, and we knew it was coming after opening weekend," said Amy Roth, who manages the water park. "After three years, the park runs better and we are getting more first-time users every day. But, since we can't control the weather, our plan is to keep improving our services every year."

Williams said the perception that the water park does not have attractions to satisfy older children is fair, but something they are working to change. Cape Splash currently has a 700-foot lazy river, a 177-foot open slide and a 140-foot enclosed slide, a vortex swirl pool, a zero-depth entry leisure pool and splash pads. Roth said the parks department is always looking for ways to appeal to different markets.

"We're always looking for ways to reach the older crowd without increasing what we spend. I think we had a good start at that this year by adding programs like the adult swims, and small extras to concessions like sunscreen and sunglasses," Roth said. "Over the winter we will have an activities focus, and we hope to come back with something for everyone next year."

Roth said no-cost options being considered include the water park hosting events exclusively for middle school and older children, such as a teen night with music and a theme. Another option is to add more amenities, such as a more advanced slide. But that type of item would be costly, perhaps as much as $750,000. Other possibilities, she said, would be less expensive and the department is going to consider a range of improvements.

"We've toured several different water park facilities, and we like what we've got going here," Roth said. "The thing is that most of these places tell us year four or five is when things really click, so we're already fired up about next year."

The aquatic center is the priciest part of a $20 million park facilities plan that has also included renovations and expansion of the Arena Building and the Osage Centre, new greens and fairways at Jaycee Municipal Golf Course and construction of the community center at Shawnee Park. Voters approved the projects, together with the bonds and a tax to finance the projects, in April 2008.

jsamons@semissourian.com

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