With golf and tennis leading the way, the town’s Recreation Department posted another record-setting year in 2022.
In a presentation to the Town Council at its meeting Tuesday, Director of Recreation Mark Bresnahan said every one of the department’s divisions set participation and revenue records for the second straight year.
“I really feel like we’re just scratching the surface of our potential,” Bresnahan said during his delivery of the Recreation Advisory Committee’s annual report. “This past year has shown a lot of innovative programming, and in every area we hit new records, by far, considering our year last year.”
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Topping that list were the town’s golf and tennis programs.
More than 54,000 rounds of golf were played at the Par 3 golf course during the 2022 fiscal year, according to the report. That figure exceeds last year’s total by 2,000 rounds.
Par 3 revenues topped $4.4 million in 2022, which was nearly $1 million more than last year’s total of $3.65 million. More than $675,000 in revenue came from pro-shop sales, according to the report.
In its report, the Recreation Advisory Committee attributed much of the course’s success to improvements in golf operations, which included a new fleet of carts; a new cart path along the 14th hole; a new online shopping feature; a junior golf clinic with PGA TOUR champion Rory McIlroy that was filmed by The Golf Channel; and the completion of concrete work on the patio.
The report also noted the work of superintendent Tim Campbell and his staff in keeping the Par 3 course in top condition; and recognized the department’s teaching program, which recorded its highest-grossing year in lessons.
Eight additional parking spots at the course were approved last year by the council, Bresnahan added, and construction work is expected to start and be completed in May.
The department’s tennis division also enjoyed a record-setting year for revenue, according to the committee’s report.
Revenue was up 54% from last year, which had been the previous revenue record. Teaching revenue from the contract with DM Tennis Enterprises was also up over 27% from the previous year.
The Seaview and Phipps Ocean Park tennis centers drew consistent crowds throughout the year, with residents accounting for 72% of players, 62% of juniors and 84% of adults.
Tennis events also continued in the town last year, with the Town of Palm Beach Championships being contested in January, February and April. Additionally, a full slate of six teams represented the town in various tennis leagues, including two senior league teams.
The town also added pickleball to its activities list, incorporating lessons, clinics and open play.
Despite COVID restrictions limiting program participation at the Mandel Recreation Center, revenue there was up 45% in 2022. Total revenue exceeded $821,000, setting a record for the second straight year.
The facility’s fitness center sold a record 347 memberships, representing a 25% increase over last year, while Youth Enrichment revenue increased by over 29%, and passes and daily admissions increased by 11%.
“It’s really gratifying for all of us up here, who were here when we made the decision to build the Mandel Recreation Center, to see it being used so much by our residents and our townspeople,” council member Bobbie Lindsay told Bresnahan. “With every program, you’re hitting it out of the park. Congratulations.”
During his presentation, Bresnahan noted that the department’s cost recovery goals were met in every division. Golf achieved a cost recovery of 179%, tennis achieved 89%, and recreation achieved 71%.
“When you see those numbers … it further illustrates the fact that the rec team is doing a great job,” Mayor Danielle Moore said. “Well done.”
Jodie Wagner is a journalist at the Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at [email protected]. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.