Residents returned to the water park in droves when it re-opened in late December, 2011, after a $3.2 million upgrade, with almost 14,500 people through the gates until it closed for the season in March 2012.
With a full season in 2012-13, more than 21,000 cooled down in the pool and more than 15,600 hurled down the water slides.
However, attendance numbers plummeted last summer, dipping to 21,143. The slides also took a hit, with only 6003.
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READ NOWManagement put the decline down to new competition from Bullsbrook’s Outback Splash, which opened to great fanfare in the 2013-14 summer season.
In hopes of getting numbers back up next summer, YMCA will drop admission prices.
For an adult to slide and swim, the price will drop from $23.50 to $15. Admission for children and concession will be slashed from $22 to $12.
Shire of Kalamunda chief executive Rhonda Hardy said action was taken last summer to attract people back to the park.
‘An aquatic inflatable was added in January 2013, new marketing initiatives were undertaken such as a loyalty program, electronic roadside signage, discounted entry fees and special events,’ she said.
She said there were plans for new pool blankets for kids and toddler pools at the park.
‘A major highlight for the approaching season will be the celebration of the water park’s 50th anniversary, plus other events such as the season opening family day, a special Australia Day Pool Party and school holidays celebrations,’ she said.
According to Shire figures, the park has recouped less than half of its refurbishment costs, pulling in $1.22 million since it re-opened.
Ms Hardy gave an assurance the park would not be closed.
‘This is not an option which has been considered,’ she said.
YMCA CEO Ross Kyrwood said the organisation was excited about the summer season ahead.
‘Collaboration between YMCA Perth and the Shire of Kalamunda has commenced with planning on key activities. The combination of new fees and charges along with the existing attractions and pool inflatable is sure to attract families to the park,’ he said.
The park was closed when more than 60 faults were found, with spas and slides needing urgent replacements and the filtration system struggling.