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<br /> <br />MARKET ANALYSIS <br />City of Elk River, MN <br />Feasibility Study * <br />Page 57 <br />Aquatics: Without doubt, a progressive and notable trend in aquatics continues to be the <br />recreation pool concept. Incorporating water slides, current channels, fountains, zero depth entry <br />and other water play features into a pool’s design has proved to be extremely popular for the <br />recreational user. Recreation pools appeal to the younger children (who are the largest segment <br />of the population that swim) and to families. These types of facilities are able to attract and draw <br />larger crowds and people tend to come from a further distance and stay longer to utilize such <br />pools. This all translates into the potential to sell more admissions and increase revenues and <br />explains in part, why the YMCA included a leisure pool design in the YMCA. Consequently, a <br />competitive pool or recreation leisure pool is not recommended at this time for inclusion in a <br />new center. <br /> <br />Fitness: The community input process suggests that the fitness needs of the community are being <br />met by the existing service providers in Elk River. Obesity is becoming an epidemic in the <br />United States, especially for youth. Youth fitness is one component that can help address this <br />issue locally. The City of Elk River should help encourage health initiatives and wellness <br />opportunities available in the community <br /> <br />Group fitness space is another supplemental area required for reaching the fitness and wellness <br />market. The demand for Yoga, Zumba, Pilates, Spinning and group exercise is growing. Interest <br />and participation in fitness classes are on the rise nationally, recording a 45% increase in <br />participation over the past 10 years. <br /> <br />Meeting Room/Classroom/Multi-Purpose: Multi-purpose meeting room space was strongly <br />supported through the stakeholder process. There were several different opinions as to what size <br />this multi-purpose space should be. Multi-purpose space in centers provides support for other <br />activities in a center, class room opportunities, meetings and small receptions. A sufficient <br />amount of square footage is needed for meetings, multi-purpose and banquet space. Historically, <br />meeting room space does not generate enough revenue to be a self-supporting component. <br />However, these spaces are valuable as support spaces and the multi-use flexibility enables the <br />facility to meet a wide variety of program needs. The classrooms are needed to meet a wide <br />range for programs that have a multi-generational appeal and help meet the non-sport needs of <br />the community. <br /> <br />Ice Arena: Some people within the stakeholder and community meetings indicated interest in <br />another sheet of ice to meet the youth hockey needs in the future. Hockey is popular in the <br />greater Elk River area but the number of participants is a relatively small number, especially <br />when comparing hockey to other sports like baseball, football, basketball, soccer and volleyball. <br />Indoor ice skating carries significant operating costs that drive program cost and fees for <br />participants. It is not uncommon to hear youth hockey fees in the $1,500 range per player. It <br />should be noted that this fee does not include equipment, travel and tournaments. The high fees <br />for youth hockey are a factor that limits participation. <br />APPENDIX B