SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- The Midco Aquatic Center in Sioux Falls celebrated its one-year anniversary on Friday with city officials singing its praises and puncturing past criticism.
Mayor Mike Huether pointed out that all the potential problems critics groused about never came to pass:The parking is more than adequate. The nearby VA Medical Center is happy. The neighborhoods around the facility are fine. Local property values are up.
"You did it, Sioux Falls. We are celebrating a one-year anniversary today of this grand place..." enthused Huether at a news conference at the aquatic center.
Then, City Parks Director Don Kearney stepped up to the microphone with some hard evidence, announcing that first-year total attendance was over 227,000.
"The amount of of use we've seen in that first full year of operation, has truly exceeded our expectations."
Kearney said that the facility generated more than $1.2 million in revenue and expenses were $1.5 million, on track with prior budget projections.
There's a weekend of special activities at the indoor pool to celebrate, including cupcakes.