(Arnolds Park)– Last month’s hot weather cut into attendance at the Arnolds Park Amusement Park.
While no specific numbers were mentioned, it was reported at today’s (Wed.) monthly meeting of the board of directors of Historic Arnolds Park, Incorporated the park’s attendance was off last month compared to a year ago. The financial situation, however, actually shows an improvement over a year ago. The park is reporting a net operating income of 167-thousand dollars so far for the season…compared to 83-thousand a year ago.
It was also reported that although they’re about a half million dollars short of their goal, that enough money has been raised to erase the remaining 145-thousand dollars in long-term debt. Fundraising Committee Chairman Bob Schneider says they’re going to focus their efforts now on specific projects, like refurbishing the Queen Two.
On that note, the board learned the excursion boat is eligible for funding through the Boating Infrastructure Grant program. The program requires a 25 percent local match; it picks up the remaining 75 percent. The program provides grants for infrastructure projects only–things like floatable docks, safe harbors, marine fueling stations, navigational markers, and so on. It does NOT providing for rehabilitation projects, which the Queen Two is also in need of.
Joe Connover, Chairman of the Historic Arnolds Park, Incorporated Grant Committee, says they’re in the process of getting plans, specifications and cost estimates for a system that would winch the Queen Two out of the water at the end of each season for maintenance and protection. He says they’ll write their grant application around that.
Time is a factor, though. They have until September 1st in which to apply for one round of funding. The deadline for a second round is January 1st. They hope to be able to apply on time for the September 1st deadline so work could begin as soon as possible at the end of the season.
