2025-07-01 CC Agenda Packet - ITEM D10 - Aquatics Business PlanV ..
f -
Counsilman-Hunsaker 04
City of El
Segundo
June 2025
• Scope of Services
Counsilman-Hunsaker will develop a comprehensive operational
business plan for The Plunge and the City of El Segundo Aquatics
Division as a whole, including:
• Detailed analysis and recommendations to support the facility's
sustainable operation, focusing on both revenue generation and
cost management.
• Specific information regarding projected revenue streams,
expense forecasts, management structures, and staffing
requirements.
Page 2 of 37
0
Agenda 0
• Initial feedback from stakeholders
• Market analysis
Demographics
Swim schools
Market providers
• 50% Business plan review
Full system
• Hilltop and ESAC
• The Plunge
Page 3 of 37
an
Am dwa-
Next Steps •
• Expense review and analysis
• Market analysis
o Additional comparable programs
o Fee structures
• Lane allocation program
• Program changes:
• Moved programs to The Plunge
• Additional availability at ESAC
Awli
Page 4 of 37Am ON
Initial Feedback from
Stakeholders
Page 5 of 37
Initial Feedback from 0
Stakeholders
• City of El Segundo
• El Segundo Recreation and Parks Commission
• El Segundo Recreation and Parks Commission Aquatics Subcommittee
• Trojan Water Polo
• Coastal Masters Water Polo
• Alpha Aquatics
• Tower 26
• Beach Cities Swimming
• Southern California Aquatics
• South Bay United
Page 6 of 37
Focus Questions for
Stakeholders
• What do you see as the definitions of success for the City of El
Segundo Aquatics program?
• What would make the City of El Segundo Aquatics program
successful?
• What would make your user group successful, or to continue
your success?
Page 7 of 37
0
Feedback and Identified Priorities
Establish cost recovery goals:
• Target 90-100% for El Segundo Aquatic Center (ESAC)
• Target -50% for The Plunge
• Hilltop Pool's model to be determined
Create a financial and operational business plan for all three facilities: ESAC,
WWAM
Plunge, Hilltop.
Develop Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for user group accountability,
community impact, and programming success.
Optimize Lane Allocation: create a lane allocation system to assess and optimize
lane usage.
• Implement fair success criteria for user group performance (e.g., community
benefit, documentation, scholarship offerings).
• Improve feedback loops: Establish clear communication between the city and
user groups regarding expectations and performance.
• Standardize contracts and time slot negotiations to ensure fairness and clarity.
Page 8 of 37
Feedback and Identified Priorities
OOptimize lane allocation: Improve scheduling to better balance user needs across
competition, recreation, instruction, and therapy.
OPrioritize seasonal usage: Consider seasonal allocation to support multi -sport
youth participation and increase equitable access.
OMove swim lessons to The Plunge to free up prime -time space at ESAC.
OPrevent underutilization: Stop entire lane rentals by individual lap swimmers.
Adjust practice times:
• Earlier time slots (5-7 PM) needed for youth -focused programs (e.g., Trojan
O Water Polo).
• Additional practice times (e.g., Tuesday night for Masters clubs).
Ensure accessibility improvements at The Plunge for seniors and adaptive
programs.
OBalance power and interest: Ensure recreational groups have equitable influence
compared to competitive teams.
OEvaluate pricing strategy: Compare rental rates with the regional market and
assess elasticity.
Page 9 of 37
Feedback and Identified Priorities
Staffing challenges for swim lessons:
• Difficulty recruiting instructors.
• Lifeguards are currently filling in as instructors, which is suboptimal.
Explore wellness and rehab programs: Inspired by La Mirada's success with
physical therapy integration.
Market for film and event rentals: Generate supplemental revenue via studio
filming and concessions.
Create complete aquatic programming: From swim lessons to elite competition,
ensuring access for all ages and skill levels.
Page 10 of 37
Market Analysis
Page 11 of 37
Market Analysis
El Segundo,, CA Market
strong mare tor a recreational swimming pool.
Its stable, affluent, and family -focused population, supported by a
robust economy, indicates high demand potential. There are several
opportunities to decrease subsidies by increasing fees.
• staaie & Attluent Population: Strong financial capacity.
• Family -Oriented: Significant youth presence drives demand.
• Robust Economy: Ensures market stability and consumer confidence.
• Low cost provider - by a significant margin
Page 12 of 37
W 0
Population &Households
El Segundo's population offers a consistent user base with slight projected growth, enhancing facility viability.
Population & Household Growth (2010 - 2028)
49 Population Households
20000
15000
10000
5000
0
2010 Census 2020 Census 2023 Estimates 2028 Projections
Page 13 of 37
Key Figures (Est. 2023):
• Total Population:17,165 (1.6% growth by 2028)
• Total Households: 7,223 (1.2% growth by 2028)
• Population Density: 3,143.64 residents/sq mi
Impact on Pool Use:
• Stable population provides a steady user foundation.
• Concentrated density improves. local accessibility.
qW
Age Distribution
El Segundo's age profile, particularly its youth segment, is highly favorable for recreational swimming.
Key Age Groups (Est. 2023):
• Median Age: 42.5 years
• Total Under 20 Years: 3,463 (approx. 20% of
population)
Impact on Pool Use:
• Youth (0-19): Primary drivers for swim lessons,
recreational use, and family activities.
• Adults: Potential for fitness, lap swimming, and
water programs.
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3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
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Page 14 of 37
Income Levels
0
High income levels in El Segundo signify strong financial capacity for residents to utilize and invest in recreational amenities.
$150.00
34.5%
Household Income Distribution (2023)
$100,000 - $124,999
10.8%
$20,000 - $39,999
),000 - $59,000 Key Income Metrics (Est. 2023):
9% Median Household Income: $106,713
• Average Household Income: $156,170
• Per Capita Income: $65,765
$60,000 - $75,000 Impact on Pool Use:
9•10/0 • High Disposable Income: Supports spending on
memberships and related services.
• Affordability: Allows for diverse pricing models.
$75,000 - $99,999
15.7%
Page 15 of 37
10
Economic Considerations
El Segundo's diverse and robust economy provides stability and high consumer confidence, supporting recreational spending.
Economic Snapshot (Q3 2023)
• Total Employees: 76,649
• Total Establishments: 3,046
• Top Industries by Employment: Transportation &
Communications, Services, Manufacturing.
Impact on Pool Use:
• Job Stability: Encourages discretionary spending.
• Daytime Population: Potential for employee -
based programs.
• Corporate Partnerships: Opportunities for
wellness initiatives.
Major Industries by Employment Share (Q3 2023)
Agriculturat, Forestry, Fishing
Construction'
Finance, Insurance, & Real Estate -
Manufacturing -
Mining
Public Administration ■
Retai I Trade
Services
Transportation & Communications
Wholesale Trade .
0 5000 10000 15000 20000 25000
Page 16 of 37
C]
General Climate
• Warm, dry summers.
• Mild, wet winters.
• Abundant year-round sunshine.
•
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Impact on Pool Use:
• Extended Season: Maximizes operational
periods for outdoor facilities.
• High Demand: Favorable weather naturally
boosts water -based recreation.
Area Swim Schools
Local area swim schools and membership/class rates.
The City of El Segundo is:
v • Considerably less than local private schools - 86% less or more
• Within range of other municipal lessons
Chart of providers
Group lessons - Per -Lesson Fee
PrivaUt Lesson Fee
NoiCSi
30 minutes
30 minutes
City of El Segundo
$6.25
$25
Current pricing
City of Hawthorne
$3 30
Not Offered
Hour long group lessons, prorated in the chart
for comparison
Los Angeles County
Free - $2 50
Not Offered
City of Torrance
$13.50
$33
45 minute group Lessons
City of Santa Monica
$6 63
Not Offered
City of Culver City
No Swim Lessons in 2025 - Instructor shortage
British Swim School
$44 75
$112 25
Swim Phi - Manhattan Beach
Not Offered
$55
Private/Semi Private Lessons only
Sunsational Swim School
$51
$73
Private/Semi Private only - at home pool
Hour Long group lessons - prorated
InstaSwim
Not Offered
$59
Private lessons only - at home
Page 18 of 37
Area Market Providers
In a review of two close market competitors the City of El
Segundo the City of El Segundo adult pass fees appear in
line with other area providers.
Chart of providers
Membership/Pass Fees
Per Pass/Lowest
Lap Swim
Program
offerings: swim
Program offerings:
Program offerings:
Adult Resident
Cost
lessons
aqua aerobics
swim team
Single Pass: $5
City of El Segundo
Punch Pass (30 punches): $113
$3.76
Yes
Yes
Yes
Outsourced
Annual Membership: $500
City of Hawthorn
Single Pass: $5
punch Pass (35 punches): $85
$2.42
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
LA County Pools
Single Pass: $4
Punch Pass (30 punches): $88
$2 93
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
City of Torrance
Single Pass: $5
punch Pass (22 punches): $100
$4.54
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
City of Santa Monica
Single Pass: $4.50
Punch Pass (20 punches): $68.25
$3.41
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
City of Culver City
I Single Pass: $4
$4
Yes
No - Inst.
Yes
Outsourced
Page 19 of 37
M4
Market Fee Anal
SIS
El Segundo's fee structure is considerably less than area private swim schools.
This is typical of municipal operations across the country.
El Segundo's fee structure is higher than area municipal learn to swim
programs. However, it appears that LA County is receiving significant
donations to subsidize free swim lessons.
City of El Segundo's daily swim fee structure is equivalent to other area
facilities.
City of El Segundo's punch pass fee structure is slightly more than other area
facilities.
iunicipal
facilities, they are also significantly lower than private swim schools. This is a
trend across the country. There is opportunity to increase to the $10 - $11 per
lesson range. This would still be considerably lower than area private lessons.
The City of El Segundo's swimming fee structure is equivalent to slightly higher
than area municipal facilities. They are however less than recommended
fees across the country. Adjustments will continue to be studied.
Page 20 of 37
Business Plan
I
Page 21 of 37
Business Plan Concepts
The potential business plans have been divided into three business plan concepts.
Current
• Current operations
• Existing staffing and pricing
• Minimal investment
• Stable service levels
• Limited growth
Enhance
• Targeted improvements
• Moderate investment
• Refined
scheduling/pricing
• Community -focused
growth
• Increased efficiency
Page 22 of 37
Elevate
• Strategic optimization
• High cost recovery
• Major program
expansion
• Regional positioning
• Long-term sustainability
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Current operations are represented utilizing the
following:
• Current fee schedules as of 2025
• Current expected attendance and revenue
• Current expected expenditures and staff costs
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lInArdfir
Current operations are represented utilizing the
following:
• Enhanced fee schedules to meet area rates
• Current expected attendance
• Enhanced revenue
• Current expected expenditures and staff costs
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Current operations are represented utilizing the
following:
• Optimized fee schedules to meet goals
• Current expected attendance
• Optimized revenue to meet goals
• Current expected expenditures and staff costs
Aquatics Program Summary
System Summary Includes:
• El Segundo Aquatic Center (ESAC)
• Hilltop Pool
• Plunge Pool (Urho Saari Swim
Stadium)
Cost Recovery
• Net Revenue - cash after expenses
subtracted
• Increases for enhance
• Addition of The Plunge
• Decreases for elevate
• Increased fees
*Plunge not included in Current
El Segundo
Aquatics
Current•
Enhance
Elevate
Total Attendance
84,015
123,276
123,276
Expense
$2,687,573
$4,099,611
$4,182,867
Budget
Revenue Projections
$1,425,317
$2,470,331
$3,015,125
Net Revenue
$ (1,262,255.90)
$ (1,629,280.27)
$ (1,167,741.62)
Cost Recovery
53%
60%
72%
Page 26 of 37
AIr
Revenue Projections
Daily Admissions I Memberships
Admissions / Memberships
$384,735
70%
$655,785
4%
$684,571
Swim Team Revenue
Swim Meet Rental
$46,000
0%
$46,000
0%
$46,000
Alpha
$159,912
70%
$271,850
35%
$367,798
Beach Cities
$190,296
70%
$323,503
35%
$437,681
Coastal
$15,288
70%
$25,990
35%
$35,162
ElSegundo
$0
0%
$0
0%
$0
SBU
$82,751
70%
$140,677
35%
$190,328
SCAQ
$128,520
70%
$218,484
35%
$295,596
Tower 26
$74,502
70%
$126,653
35%
$171,355
Trojan WP
$17,640
70%
$29,988
35%
$40,572
Wiseburn
$0
0%
$0
0%
$0
Classes and Camps
$150,940
89%
$285,988
0%
$285,988
Swim Lessons
$173,308
98%
$343,988
33%
$458,650
Rentals
$1,425
0%
0%
$1,425
Total Revenue
$1,425,317
73%
_$1,425
$2,470,331
22%
$3,015,125
Page 27 of 37
Admissions
• Attendance does not increase in this
model
• Fee structures gradually increase
Additional Information
• Classes and Camps: Specialty contract
instructor classes, lifeguard classes, swim
camps.
• Swim Lessons: All swim lesson program
categories
• Wiseburn and El Segundo do not pay rental
fees
Operating Costs
Utilities
1 A nol
Operating Expenses
13.1%
Category
Current
Enhance
Elevate
Personnel
$1,934,812
$2,946,516
$2,946,516
Operating
Expenses
$352,910
$577,721
$660,977
Utilities
$399,850
$576,458
$576,458
Total
$2,687,573
$4,100,694
$4,183,950
• The Plunge is not included in Current estimates
inel This model does not assume expense increases
between Enhance and Elevate at this time.
• Enhance and Elevate show price increases and
minimal program increases.
Page 28 of 37
Akr
Hilltop Pool and ESAC
Business Plan
Page 29 of 37
Hilltop Operating Revenues
• Currently no fee for residents
• Enhance and Elevate show a $3 fee for each
Page 30 of 37
a
Hilltop Operating Expenses
Annual Operating Budget
Current Enhance Elevate
Personnel
Senior Lifeguard
$25,555
$25,555
$25,555
Lifeguard
$21,120
$21,120
$21,120
Maintenance
$3,000
$3,000
$3,000
Personnel Equipment Cost
$294
$294
$294
Training_
$2,000
$2,000
$2.000
Total Labor
$51,969
$51,969
$51,969
Operating Expenses
Insurance
$22,262
$22.262
$22,262
Repair and Maintenance
$10,400
$10,400
$10,400
Credit Card Fees
$181
$187
$192
Operating Supplies
$6,240
$6,240
$6,240
Chemicals
$3,486
$3,486
$3,486
Advertising
$5,000
$5,000
$5,000
Direct Expenses
$47,569
$47,575
$47,581
Utilities
HVAC
$4,118
$4,118
$4,118
Electricity
$5,476
$5,476
$5,476
Pool Heating
$17,429
$17,429
$17,429
Water B Sewer
51.021
S1,027
S1.027
Total Utilities
$28,051
$28,051
$28,051
Total Operating Expenses
$127.589
$127.595
$127.601
Capital Replacement Fund
$20,700
$20,700
$20,700
Total Expense _ _ $148.289 $148,295 _ $148.301
Estimate Current as of 6/2512025 C MART
Source. Counsilman-Hunsaker
W4
Page 31 of 37
ESAC Operating Revenues
CategoryRevenue
Admissions / Memberships
$377,500
$377,500
$377,500
Swim Meet Rental
$46,000
$46,000
$46,000
Alpha
$159,912
$271,850
$367,798
Beach Cities
$190,296
$323,503
$437,681
Coastal
$15,288
$25,990
$35,162
EI Se undo
$0
$0
$0
SBU
$82,751
$140,677
$190,328
SCAQ
$128,520
$218,484
$295,596
Tower 26
$74,502
$126,653
$171,355
Trojan WP
$17,640
$29,988
$40,572
Wiseburn
$0
$0
$0
Classes and Cams
$150,940
$189,960
$189,960
Swim Lessons
$173,308
$226,410
$301,880
Rentals
Total Revenue
Cost Recovery
$0
$1416,657
$0
$1,977,01.6
$0
$2,453,831
• Increase to user group rentals
Current - 21 % of current cost/lane hour
Enhance - 36% of current cost/lane hour
o Elevate - 50% of current cost/lane hour
• Increase to swim lessons
o Enhance - 50% increase to swim lesson fees
• Elevate - 100% increase to swim lesson fees
Swim n
Swim
Lessons Level 0
Current
Enhance
Elevate
$20.00
$30.00
$40.00
Swim Lessons Level 1 - 6
$50.00
$75.00
$100.00
Swim Lessons A Guards
$50.00
$75.00
$100.00
Swim Lessons Fliers
$100.00
$150.00
$200.00
Private Lessons
$100.00
$150.00
$200.00
Semi Private Lessons
$80.00
$120.00
$160.00
Page 32 of 37
ESAC Operating Expenses
CART _ _ Annual Operating Budget
Current Enhance Elevate
Aquatics Manager
$134,338
$134,338
$134,338
Aqua ties Supervisor
Plunge
Plunge
Plunge
. Increases to water aerobics participation
Aquelics Coordinator
$69,680
$89,88a
$69,680
Full Time Benefits
$81.607
$81,607
$81.607
o Water aerobics
Rae Leader
$142,458
$142,456
$142,456
Senior Lifeguard
$206.997
$206,997
$206.997
Sr Wet
Lifeguard
$855,360
$855,360
$855,360
o
Senior Rae Leader
$157,036
$157,036
$157.036
Maintenance
$21,600
$21,600
$21,600
a Proportional increases to program supplies
Part -Time Program Staff
$152,471
$164,127
$164,127
Personnel Equipment Cost
$9,097
$9,097
$9,097
. Increase advertising drop in/membership
Meetings and Travel
$2,200
$2,200
$2,200
per
Traininq
_ $50,000
$50,000
$50,000
attendance
Total Labor
$1,882,843
$1,894,499
$1,894,499
Operating Expenses
o Current - approx. $0.08 per attendee
Insurance
Not Included
Not Included
Not Included
Repair and Maintenance
$68,900
$68,900
$68,900
o Enhance - $0.50 per attendee
Credit Card Fees
Not Included
Not Included
Not Included
Operating Supplies
$41,340
$41.340
$41,340
o Elevate - $1.00 attendee
Program Supplies
$28,362
$21.600
$28,800
per
Food and Beverage
$0
$41,850
$55.800
Chemicals
$160,499
$160,499
$160,499
Advertising
$6,240
$39,000
$78.000
Direct Expenses
$305,341
$373,189
5433,339
Utilities
HVAC
$18,986
$18,986
$18,986
Electricity
$70,614
$70,614
$70.014
Pool Healing
$231,001
$231.001
$231,001
Data/Communications
$500
$500
$500
Water & Sewer
$50,699
$50,909
$50,909
Total Utilities
$371,800
$372,010
•$372,010
Total operating Expenses
$2,559,983
$2.639.698
SZ.699.848
Capital Reptacement Fund
5137 F00
$137,600
$137.800
Total Expense
32,697.783
$2,777,498
$2,837.648
Estimate Current as of:
=512023
Source: Counsiknan-Hunsaker
dvki
Page 33 of 37
The Plunge Business
Plan
Page 34 of 37
The Plunge Operating Revenues
Daily A.Memberships
Current
Enhance
Elevate
Admissions / Memberships
$0
$259,359
$288,145
Classes and Camps
$0
$96,028
$96,028
Swim Lessons
$0
$117,578
$156,770
Total Revenue
$0
$472,964
$540,943
Page 35 of 37
• Increase attendance/membership fees
o Enhance - $6.61 per cap
o Elevate - $7.34 per cap
• Increase to swim lessons
• Enhance - 50% increase to swim lesson fees
• Elevate - 100% increase to swim lesson fees
The Plunge Operating Expenses
CART Annual Operating Budget
Current Enhance Elevate
Aquatics Supervisor
$0
$96840
$96840
Aquatics Coordinator
$0
$69:680
$69:680
Full Time Benefits
$0
$66,608
$66,608
Rec Leader
$0
$88,266
$88.266
Senior Lifeguard
$0
$128,255
$128,255
Lifeguard
$0
$317.980
$317988
Senior Rec Leader
$0
$97,300
$97:300
Maintenance
$0
$21,900
$21,900
Part -Time Program Staff
$0
$80,715
$80,715
Personnel Equipment Cost
$0
$4,296
$4.296
Meetings and Travel
$0
$2,200
$2,200
Training
$0
$28 000
$26 000
Total Labor
g0
$1,000,048
$1,000,046
Operating Expenses
Insurance
Not Included
Not Included
Not Included
Repair and Maintenance
$0
$45.800
$45,800
Credit Card Fees
Not Included
Not Included
Not Included
Operating Supplies
$0
$27,480
$27,480
Program Supplies
$0
$10,800
$14,400
Chemicals
$0
$53,376
$53,376
Advertising
$0
$19,500
$39,000
Direct Expenses
$0
$156,956
$180,056
Utilities
HVAC
$0
$73,676
$73,676
Electricity
$0
$42,149
$42,149
Pool Heating
$0
$49,200
$49,200
Data/Communications
$0
$500
$500
_ Water & Sewer
$0
$10 673
$10 673
Total Utilities
so
$176,397
$176,397
Total Operating Expenses
$0
$1.333.401
S1,356,501
Capital Replacement Fund so $91.600 591 600
Togl Ez ense $0 51.425.001 $1,448,101
Estimate Current as of: G 2512025
Source: Counsliman-Hunsaker
• Aquatics Supervisor moves to the Plunge
• Aquatics Coordinator added
• Part Time Staff
• One Senior Lifeguard
• Three Lifeguards
• One Senior Rec Leader
• One Rec Leader
• Advertising
Page 36 of 37
• Enhance - 50% of attendance
o Elevate - 100% of attendance
I AL —"
".
Next Steps:
Summary
• Continue analysis to achieve three approved operating models.
• Review expenses and propose efficiency recommendations
• Review program changes with the addition of The Plunge
. Continue market analysis:
• Research additional comparable programs
• Research additional fee structures, including rentals, program
fees, and daily fees
• Present the updated lane allocation program
Questions:
• Are any changes needed to the current workplan?
• Are any changes needed to definitions of success?
• Is additional information needed that is not shown?
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Page 37 of 37
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