Grand Marais Recreation Park manager Dave Tersteeg said the year-to-date income for the park and marina as of August 31 stands at $1,009,805, which is up about $56,000 versus 2017, or an increase of 5.9 percent.
August revenue at the park was up $110,000 versus August 2017.
Tersteeg announced the numbers at the recreation park board’s September 4 meeting.
Although the park continues to make a generous profit for the city, Tersteeg noted projected park 2018 revenue would likely be down about $60,000 when the year ends.
“This will be addressed with the council, as well as major capital improvements planned for 2019,” he said.
Capital improvements include the replacement of bathhouse No. 3, at an estimated cost of $500,000, with additional expenditures for community connection and new entrance sign to the park that is associated with the Highway 61 work due to start next summer.
“Firmer prices for all these projects are yet to be determined,” added the park manager.
The big event this weekend at the park is Radio Waves music festival. Music starts Friday and runs through Sunday evening.
Two RV groups are once again visiting the park. Sisters on the Fly are back with their vintage trailers and the Skinnie Winnie group will be here with their mini-motorhomes in the next week or so, Tersteeg said.
Golf Course
Gunflint Hills golf course year-to-date revenues are at $89,962; down $18,000 (16.7 percent) versus 2017.
Tersteeg said significant contributing factors to the decline were a lack of season pass sales which were down $5,000, and greens fees, which were down $7,000 from last year.
“The staffing shake-up and poor conditions of the green and fairways have caused folks to use the course less. Projected total revenue for 2018 should be in the $100,000 range, well off the budgeted amount of $142,000,” Tersteeg said.
Even with reduced staffing Tersteeg cautioned, “Expect a loss of $60,000 or more this season.”
With the early departure of Mike Kunshier who retired in June, the city has had to retain the services of Paul Jones, a golf course superintendent from Duluth. Jones has been performing turf maintenance at the golf course over the past month, including spraying pesticides and fertilizers, as well as working to restore fairways and the greens.
“With all of the recent rain, the course is finally starting to look green and decent. His (Paul Jones) services will also be engaged this fall for aeration and putting the course to bed properly. At this time, no decision has been made by the city council on the options for moving forward that were discussed at the August meeting.”
Longtime clubhouse attendant Nancy Smith’s last day was September 5. New hires Eric Anderson and Brandi Aldrighetti will now work at the clubhouse.
“John Burnett continues to be the main man mowing and maintaining the grounds,” noted Tersteeg, “With help from Charles Christiansen from the Street Department.
The annual member’s day was canceled this year due to a lack of interest, Tersteeg said.
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