HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 05-05-1997 - 10a 1
r ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: May 5, 1997
Action Agenda
Item No. /0-0
SUBJECT: Triangle SportsPlex Operations
DEPARTMENT: County Manager PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/l)
BUDGET AMENDMENT: (Y/l)
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Orange County Community Activity George Horton, Chair, OCCAC , 732-5055
Corporation(OCCAC) Report Robert Sealock, Director, OCCAC, 966-1272
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 9684501
Durham 688-7331
Mebane 227-2031
PURPOSE: To receive a report from the Orange County Community Activity Corporation
(OCCAC) Board of Directors concerning operations and programs at the Triangle SportsPlex in
Hillsborough.
BACKGROUND: In April 1995,the 80,000 square foot Triangle SportsPlex opened its doors at
the Meadowlands in Hillsborough. Among other services,the SportsPlex provides an indoor
aquatics complex with competition,recreation, and wading pools; a full size rink for ice skating and
hockey; and a fitness center with cardiovascular and weight training equipment. The County and
OCCAC have an operating agreement under which the County pays $400,000 annually for 10 years
to the SportsPlex,which provides a comprehensive aquatics recreational program. After the
construction debt for this facility is paid,title to the facility will pass to Orange County under the
terms of the financing arrangement under which the facility was capitalized. The Orange County
Board of Commissioners appoint one less than a majority of members to the OCCAC Board of
Directors, under the terms of the agreement between the County and the OCCAC.
In addition to the attached report, an oral presentation will be made by the Board of Directors and
Recreational Management Services Corporation(RMSC), which has been operating the SportsPlex
since June 1996 under an agreement with the OCCAC.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive the report as
information.
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A Report to the County Commissioners of
Orange County, NC
on
The Triangle SportsPlex:
The present situation and the road to the future
This report on the Triangle SportsPlex has been prepared by the Board of Directors
of the Orange County Community Activity Center for presentation to the Orange County
Commissioners on May 5, 1997.
4 +ti
Table of Contents
As this is the first formal report to the Orange County Commissioners by the OCCAC Board, we
would like the picture to be as complete, and as soberly presented, as possible. For best appreciation, the report
should be read in its entirety. Nonetheless, to aid readers in going to those parts of the reports they find most
interesting or pertinent, we have divided the report into idea sections with the generous use of headings, listed
here.
I. Overview of the SportsPlex today ............................................................ 3
What is the Triangle SportsPlex?............................................................. 3
The Board of Directors is drawn from the community................................... 3
Financially, the SportsPlex looks most like a private entity............................. 4
Financially, the SportsPlex sometimes looks public ...................................... 4
County personnel assist the Board........................................................... 4
A professional management team handles day-to-day operations...................... 4
Whouses the SportsPlex?...................................................................... 4
The SportsPlex is in financial difficulty, but just how bad is it? ...................... S
Why is the SportsPlex in financial difficulty? ............................................. S
RMSC has made great strides................................................................. 6
The SportsPlex is a remarkable asset for Orange County .............................. 6
The SportsPlex is a good financial deal for the County ................................. 6
II. The detailed financial picture and debt issues .............................................. 7
Precisely where are we now?.................................................................. 7
How much better do we have to be?......................................................... 7
What does that mean in practical terms?................................................... 7
111. The strategy for resolution of the financial situation through operations........... 8
Expense-cutting measures taken or in progress ........................................... 8
New programs and expansions of existing programs..................................... 9
Fitness passes ("memberships")......................................................... 9
RockV Skate ............................................................................. 9
Swim lessons for minority youth ........................................................ 10
Summercamps............................................................................... 10
Swimmingservices for area summer camps .......................................... 10
Skating services for area summer camps.............................................. 10
Programsfor seniors ...................................................................... 10
Physicaltherapy............................................................................ 11
PE programs with the universities...................................................... Il
Non program sources of revenue............................................................. Il
Marketingstrategies............................................................................. 11
IV. Tables ............................................................................................. 17-22
V. Figures............................................................................................. 18-23
Report to the orange county commissioners 5 May, 1997 page 2
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L Overview of the SportsPlex today
What is the Triangle SportsPlex?
The Triangle SportsPlex is a 25-month old sports and recreation facility fully open to the entire public,
located off US 70 Business in Hillsborough. At 80,000 sq. ft, it is the largest such facility in Orange
County. It contains the following:
• Indoor aquatics complex with three pools (recreational, competition/lap, and wading). Competition
area has a sophisticated timing system and seating for 300 people
• Official-size ice skating/hockey rink with seating for 600 people
• Fitness center featuring high quality cardiovascular and weight training equipment
• Snack bar/restaurant
• Meeting room for classes, meetings, parties, and receptions
• Lobby suitable for receptions and dances
• Game room with video games and air hockey
• Nursery providing child care for parents using the building
• Outdoor facility for in-line skating/roller blading
The entire facility is open to the public on a walk-in or subscription basis. The informal name
"membership" is often applied to the various subscription options, but the SportsPlex is in no way a club or
exclusive facility.
In addition to being open for routine recreation, the SportsPlex offers a rich selection of programs and
organized activities on an on-going basis. These are shown in broad outline in Table 2.
Along with the regular program offerings, special events and instruction play an increasingly important
part in the SportsPlex programming. There are several examples on the swim side. The SportsPlex offers
swimming instruction for area fourth graders arranged through the Orange County schools, plus swimming
safety courses for children, sometimes in collaboration with the UNC Safe Kids Program. The swim teams
of all three Orange County high schools use the SportsPlex for both practice and meets. The days of swim
meets are among the most exciting of the year, with swimmers, coaches, parents, and volunteers filling the
building. And no less than 10 areas summer camps have contracted with the SportsPlex to provide
swimming services to their campers this summer(see New Programs below).
On the ice side, the facility has hosted two recent skating seminars, the Jill Shipstead Seminar and the
Doug Leigh Figure Skating Clinic (Doug Leigh has coached international champion Elvis Stojko). With
these two events, the SportsPlex instructed more than a hundred skaters drawn from 6 states including
Florida and Illinois. Similarly, the exhibition hockey game between the Carolina Monarchs and the
Baltimore Bandits of the American Hockey League allowed area residents to see high level hockey (the AHL
is just one level below the NHL)up close, and close to home, for a very reasonable ticket price. Such
events bring people and recreational income to the SportsPlex and to area hotels and restaurants, and expand
our customer base well into neighboring states. More down to earth, the figure skating classes at the
SportsPlex serviced 225 skaters (i. e., individuals, many enrolled in multiple classes)during its January-
February session in 1997. The Board is proud of these numbers, and of course hopes they will grow further.
The Board of Directors is drawn from the community
The Board of Directors of the SportsPlex is made up of 5 individuals who are dedicated to the facility's
successful and profitable operation. The members are listed in Table 1. They are strictly volunteers; they
receive no compensation and pay full fare for their use of the facility. They are motivated by many factors,
including a sense of community responsibility, appreciation for a unique facility in this part of Orange
County, enthusiasm for Hillsborough as a great community made even better by the SportsPlex, a desire to
increase recreational opportunities for all the county's citizens and particularly its minority population,
enthusiasm for ice or water sports, etc. At present, the Executive Committee of the Board(see Table 1)
meets in the first week of each month and the whole Board meets in the third week.
Because of its financial commitment to the SportsPlex(see below), Orange County names one less than
a majority of the Board members. Those members named by the County are indicated in Table 1
Report to the Orange County Commissioners 5 May, 1997 page 3
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Financially, the SportsPlex looks most like a private entity
On the one hand, the SportsPlex has all the appearance of a private operation. The building was built
entirely with funds obtained through the sale of private bonds held by Eaton-Vance of Boston. Orange
County did not finance any part of the construction. The bonds are not guaranteed by Orange County or
any other government agency, and are to be paid back entirely out of operating revenues.
The SportsPlex also pays property tax at the full rate, currently$92,000 per year(in round
numbers). Of this, $31,000 goes to the Town of Hillsborough. This is the largest single property tax
collection made by the Town of Hillsborough. It accounts for approximately 3% of total tax collections
by the Town and 1.15% of the Town's general fund operating budget of$2.7 million.
Financially, the SportsPlex sometimes looks public
Orange County contributes $400,000 annually to the operating budget. This contribution, which
accounts for 20% of the approximately$2,000,000 annual expense budget, is essentially for pool operations,
since the original interest of Orange County government in the SportsPlex was to have a pool for the
northern reaches of the county. This commitment by the County, which extends through the first 10 years of
operation, was a key element in securing the bonds for construction.
Because of this financial commitment, Orange County names one less than a majority of the Board
members (Table 1).
Eventually, the facility will be totally public: Under the bond arrangement, OCCAC will cede full
ownership of the SportsPlex to Orange County when the construction debt is paid off. In the meantime,
Orange County has no ownership stake in the building or land.
County personnel assist the Board
The Board also receives invaluable assistance from the Orange County Finance Director Ken Chavious
and Bob Jones and Frank Hartig of the Orange County Parks and Recreation Department. These individuals
attend virtually every Board meeting, and do so on their own time.
A professional management team handles day-today operations
The SportsPlex is managed by the firm Recreational Management Services Corporation, a
Pennsylvania-based company specializing in oversight of complex sports facilities in seven states. RMSC
hired Mike Robertson and Jack Bollinger to be the on-site managers for the SportsPlex. Strong back-up
support in business strategy, marketing and operations comes from RMSC headquarters staff. Mike and
Jack are paid directly by the SportsPlex, while RMSC receives a monthly fee. Mike oversees operations and
programs, and Jack is the office manager and handles some accounting responsibilities.
The SportsPlex also employs a full time sales person, Carolyn Southard, and a full-time aquatics
director, Rusty Kretz. Carolyn is the sales interface with the public, ready to arrange participation by
groups in any of the programs of the SportsPlex and to develop new programs. Rusty runs the aquatics
center and conducts or supervises all of the aquatics instruction.
Who uses the SportsPlex?
Because of its nature and privacy issues, the SportsPlex cannot keep complete demographic data on its
patrons. However, since the present management team took over in September, 1996, four extensive
sources of data have been built up: holders of subscriptions to the facility, a voluntary mailing list, church
groups, and schools and non-church groups. These are shown in Table 3, or graphically in Figures 1-3, for
the period September, 1996 through March, 1997.
The data show several things. First, of the 902 individuals using the SportsPlex on a subscription basis
(single, couple, or family "memberships"), 538 have a Hillsborough mailing address (Table 3a). That is
10.9% of the total Hillsborough population of 4,892 (official NC estimate)! Clearly, the SportsPlex is
popular in Hillsborough and has made a difference to a large segment of the town's population.
Secondly, although Chapel Hill and Carrboro residents are typically not members of the SportsPlex
(shown in Table 3a), they do use it. Forty percent of the 4,161 individuals on the mailing list are from
Report to the Orange County Commissioners 5 May, 1997 page 4
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these towns (see Table 3b or Figure 1). We expect that the SportsPlex will attract most ice sports
participants in the southern half of the county, since it is the only modern ice rink within 45 minutes of
Chapel Hill. Similar participation in the pools is unlikely (with the exception of the two Chapel Hill High
School swim teams and other swim clubs), since there are several pools already in Chapel Hill and
Carrboro.
Thirdly, a large number of users in all categories comes to the SportsPlex from outside Orange
County, with Durham being most heavily represented(all sections of Table 3 and Figures 1-3). Presumably,
many of these visitors would not often come to Hillsborough otherwise, and this suggests an opportunity for
Hillsborough restaurants and services to become better known and expand their clientele.
Finally, the SportsPlex is a popular resource for groups. Eighty-three church groups, mostly from
outside Orange County, have come as private rental parties or with prior arrangement to public sessions
during the 10 months of the data period(Table 3c, Figure 2). Similarly, the SportsPlex is a popular stop for
all sorts of school and non-church groups from within and without the county (166 such groups in 10 months;
Table 3d, Figure 3).
The SportsPlex is in financial difficulty, but just how bad is it?
It is widely known, having been reported in the press, that the SportsPlex is in financial difficulty. But
a proper summary statement of the situation has never appeared publicly. That statement would be: "The
SportsPlex income from operations, including the Orange County payment, covers all operating
expenses and a large portion, but not all, of the bond repayment and interest obligation". A debt-free
SportsPlex would be operating in the black. Since it is a non-profit organization, the excess revenues would
be used to expand programs or physical plant, lower prices, or eliminate any need for Orange County
support.
At no time have these shortfalls been made up by Orange County. In the first year of operation,
they were covered by unused construction funds and capitalized interest. In the second year, by a so-called
Debt Service Reserve Fund that OCCAC was obliged to include in its bond total precisely for the case of
insufficient revenues, particularly in the first years of operation.
The SportsPlex is current on all other bills. The debt referred to is entirely the debt on the bonds.
With a few exceptions, all other bills are current. For each of the exceptions, monthly payback schemes
have been arranged with the suppliers, and the SportsPlex is current with these payback schemes.
Why is the SportsPlex in financial difficuby?
There are two main reasons for the difficulties.
1) The original business plan grossly underestimated operating expenses; it's estimate was only about
half the real number. The plan also foresaw a high level of participation by advertisers and private and
corporate donors which was unrealistic, at least for the initial years of operation. It is satisfying to be able to
report that these revenues have been made up by the expanding usage of the building. Thus, with regard to
operating income, the SportsPlex is actually close to the original plan.
The optimistic business plan allowed for a larger bond offering than would have been possible
otherwise, with the result that the debt on the building is very substantial. It is this high level of debt that is
proving difficult to handle(see below).
2)The initial plans underestimated the high degree of expertise and energy required to run the
SportsPlex successfully. The first management team was made up of individuals with expertise in business
and sports (ice and water). In hindsight, it was unrealistic to expect such a team to be able to start up the
business, manage its complex and multi-faceted operations, and adapt the business to the rather special
demographic and geographic constraints of its market, all at the same time. Thus, much of the learning one
would expect in the first year of operations was lost, and has had to be gained in the second year by RMSC,
which was asked to take over by the Board in the fifteenth month of operation(June, 1996).
Report to the Orange County Commissioners 5 May, 1997 page 5
8
RMSC has made great strides
RMSC made many changes immediately upon taking over, and they continue to develop the
management program which is best adapted to the facility. At present, the operations seem to be well in
hand and the Board is satisfied that great progress has been made. Usage is increased and increasing, and
expenses are down. Excellent accounting procedures are in place and every dollar and revenue source are
fully tracked. The management is vigorous in seeking ideas for and developing new programs, and
welcomes input from all citizens of the County.
The elements of the present program are described below (Sections II and 111).
The SportsPlex is a remarkable asset for Orange County
The SportsPlex provides Orange County with an outstanding sports complex for affordable use by all.
It is a healthy place for adults and children to spend their recreational hours as well as a tremendous learning
center. And it is obvious from our statistics that the citizens of Orange County and beyond are enjoying this
recreational asset. In fact, the SportsPlex is often a hotbed of social activity. For example, in the most
popular winter skating months (December, January, February), weekend public sessions on the ice rink
consistently draw large numbers, with as many as 375 skaters enjoying the rink in a single session. On the
four Saturdays in January, 1997 alone, the SportsPlex hosted more than 2200 public skaters. We have
documented that with youth hockey, figure skating lessons, public sessions, and private rentals, over 1,000
people may use the rink on a single Saturday during this period. The numbers in the aquatics center are
even larger on swim meet days. There are few community-wide events in this area that surpass these
numbers, week in and week out in season.
The Board is proud of the numbers we've served so far, and will continue to serve, and of the
participants we've trained to swim, skate, and exercise.
The SportsPlex is a good financial deal for Orange County
While$400,000 is a substantial sum of money, the Board feels that the SportsPlex is a sound financial
deal for Orange County for many reasons:
1) Present management under RMSC has proven that the SportsPlex can more than cover its operating
expenses. Thus, we know that when the debt is gone and Orange County takes over ownership and
operation, no government funds will be necessary to keep this fine sports facility operating in the black.
That is an enviable position.
2) Because of the increases in use of the facility we have seen and expect to continue because of
increased awareness and program expansion, an increasingly large portion of the debt will be paid from
operating revenues, as originally planned.
3)The Orange County contribution to the SportsPlex decreases in value every year. Under the
present arrangement, the 10-year Orange County contribution to the SportsPlex is fixed at$400,000 per year
for 10 years. The actual monetary value of this contribution will decrease due to inflation.
The net contribution of government to the SportsPlex is presently $308,000($400,000 less $92,000).
At that rate, the total contribution of government to the SportsPlex over the 10-year period would be $3.08
million. If, for the sake of comparison and discussion only, we assume that inflation at the historically
low rate of 3% will impact both the $400,000 and property taxes (we of course can't actually know how
property taxes will evolve), the total net contribution calculates out to be approximately $2.5 million when
expressed in 1995 dollars. In return for this, Orange County would take ownership of a building that cost
over$7 million to build, plus the land it sits on.
4)Even the full-value contribution is far from out of line. The annual net government contribution
at the present time($308,000) is less than the$313,000 annual operating budget of the Community Center on
Elliott Road in Chapel Hill(figures from Jim Baker, Chapel Hill Finance Director). The Community Center
consists of one pool, some basketball courts, and a climbing wall, i. e., much less than the SportsPlex. The
Community Center does not pay property tax, and its revenues are far from sufficient to cover the annual
budget. Total revenue from swimming programs at the Community Center plus the Hargraves Center was
only $78,000 last year(unfortunately, only the combined figure is available). Thus, the Orange County
contribution to the SportsPlex is far from out of line with accepted situations elsewhere and with what is
gained.
Report to the Orange County Commissioners 5 May,1997 page 6
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5) A County-built pool would have cost substantially more. There used to be frequent calls for a
pool in northern Orange County, and it is the Board's understanding (an informal one, to be sure) that cost
was always a prohibitive factor. In 1993, as part of its effort to determine whether the SportsPlex proposal
might bring a pool within financial reach and made good sense, County government calculated the cost of a
County-constructed and County-run pool of comparable size in northern Orange County. The estimate for
the combined debt service payment and operating costs ranged from$760,000 in year 1 to$656,000 in year
10, for a total of$7.056 million(analysis presented at the Commissioners' meeting of 21 September, 1993).
6) The SportsPlex will increasingly be a stimulus to business in Orange County. The maintenance and
support needs of the SportsPlex have brought new business to the suppliers of goods and service in the area.
As the SportsPlex expands its programs that bring people to the area from outside, it will further impact
local business, in particular the hotel and restaurant business in both Chapel Hill/Carrboro and Hillsborough.
These programs include events such as the Doug Leigh Skating Clinic, other figure skating clinics and
competitions, hockey events (tournaments, camps, even the routine youth travel league games against away
teams), and others.
The members of the Board of Directors are firm in their belief that the SportsPlex is a fine facility and
a true asset to the County and to the town of Hillsborough, built with the best possible motives for all the
citizens of Orange County. We also believe that the original plan, in which Orange County was to assume
ownership of a handsome, profitable facility for a fraction of its true cost, was developed with the finest of
intentions. As things have turned out, the optimism of that plan was unrealistic. However, we believe we
will find a way out of the resulting difficult situation, and we believe that Orange County, in addition to
being proud of its fine facility, can be confident that the facility was obtained at a favorable cost.
II. The detailed financial situation and debt issues
In the foregoing, we established that the SportsPlex is profitable on operations, but is having trouble
paying off its construction debt. The obvious question, therefore, is what do we intend to do about the debt?
We can not answer this question with surgical precision, but we can offer a reasonable plan.
Precisely where are we now?
In an important early action, RMSC set up a new budget that was based on the poor existing data from
the first year of operation plus best guesses. The resulting budget, approved by the Board in December,
1996, predicted a net operating profit of$330,000, all of which would be applied against the debt. For the
months of January through March, 1997, operations are averaging approximately $17,000 per month net
revenue above that budget, for a total of approximately $52,000. While we don't suppose we will regularly
be so fortunate, the trend is up and for now it appears that finishing the year$100,000 over the budget is
within reach. In this case, approximately$430,000 would go toward the debt. This falls$424,000 short of
the scheduled annual payment of$854,000.
How much better do we have to be?
As mentioned above, past shortfalls have been made up from the Debt Service Reserve Fund. It is
essential, therefore, that we increase net revenue from operations at such a rate that full debt coverage will
be achieved before or no later than the time the Debt Service Reserve Fund becomes exhausted. Using
reasonable assumptions, we calculate that this will require that we increase our operating income (not
including the County contribution, which is fixed)by 17-20% per year over the next two and one half years.
This number, 17-20%, has to be approximate, but we are certain it can not be too far off. Obviously,
any success above the number, cuts in operating costs, infusion of new funds, or leniency on the part of
Eaton-Vance would extend the time frame and/or reduce the necessary % growth for achieving this
objective.
What does this mean in practical terms?
The 17-20% number is daunting. Nonetheless, the Board feels a very good attack on it can be made,
and we intend to make it.
Report to the Orange County Commissioners 5 May, 1997 page 7
10
There are two broad areas of attack. On the operations side, the Board and management must
concentrate on the following areas, and no doubt others:
• Expand program offerings in kind and number
• Increase utilization of the facility during weekdays
• Make sure all programs are subscribed to the max(marketing)
• Make sure service is top-notch throughout the facility
• Continue to search for cuts in expenses to the maximum possible
• Find significant non-program sources of revenue
Some of the steps we see to these ends are described below.
Secondly, it is crucial that Eaton-Vance retain confidence that the Board and management are working
diligently to solve the financial difficulties and that the County is behind us. To this end, the Board has
hosted Eaton-Vance representatives in Hillsborough on several occasions, and RMSC keeps Eaton-Vance
thoroughly informed of the status of the business. In addition, RMSC has frequent discussions with Eaton-
Vance about debt management issues. We don't know whether these discussions will eventually have a
major impact on how we deal with the debt, but we believe we must do all we can to maintain a cordial,
responsive relationship and dialogue with Eaton-Vance.
III. The strategy for resolution of the financial situation through operations
Opportunities for resolving the financial situation through operations boil down to three: Having well-
run, popular programs throughout the day and week, marketing those programs and the facility vigorously
and successfully, and keeping expenditures as low as possible. The program and marketing areas have two
complexities: First, people must be drawn to the SportsPlex. Because of its geographical situation, one does
not just drop in to the facility, typically, one goes there for a specific purpose. Secondly, programs and
marketing must be carefully adapted to our market, and this requires experimentation and, alas, time. A full
presentation of the issues in these areas would be ponderous, so we have presented a few highlights.
Expense-cutting measures taken or in progress
One of the most important responsibilities of the Board and RMSC is to keep costs to a minimum
consistent with providing the necessary programs, service to the public, security, accounting and revenue
tracking, and building maintenance, and both groups have been active in this area. Examples of substantial
cuts made are:
Personnel budget: Personnel has been a major area for cost cutting. The month-by-month evolution
of the personnel budget since RMSC took over in June, 1996, is shown in Figure 4. The very important
overall tendency is shown by a trend line, included in the figure, which indicates that, on average, the
personnel budget has declined from$43,000 per month to$35,000 per month. This is a monthly savings of
$8,000, or$96,000 per year.
The two peak months on the figure must be explained: The first is August, 1996, in which personnel
payments were made for staff employed in programs contracted for by previous management, i. e., out of
RMSC's control. The second is the month of January, 1997, which reflects the fact that the activity level in
the rink is extremely high in this month.
Insurance: Insurance is a major concern and a major cost for a facility of this sort. In two rounds of
negotiation and shopping, the Board and RMSC have achieved reductions of the insurance bill from about
$71,000 for the first year of operation to$43,000 for the coming year, for equivalent coverage; this is a
savings of$28,000 per year. Although we will continue to search for the best arrangement possible, the
insurance bill seems unlikely to go much lower.
Water usage: Water is a major raw material at the SportsPlex, and one expects consumption to be
high. Nonetheless, water consumption was extremely high in much of the first year of operation and on into
the second(Figure 5). For the 12-month period ending July 31, 1996, the average was 670,000 gallons per
month. The excessive consumption is largely unexplained, although in July, 1996, RMSC discovered a leak
which probably explains part of the problem(Figure 5). For the 8 months from August, 1996 through
March, 1997, consumption has averaged approximately 362,000 gallons per month, a drop of 308,000
gallons per month. This drop represents a savings of approximately $16,400 per year.
Report to the Orange County Commissioners 5 May, 1997 page 8
'- 11
Water that evaporates from the pools and water that is put onto the rink during resurfacing is not
returned to the sewers. The Town of Hillsborough has tentatively agreed to estimates of the quantities
involved, and we expect sewer charges on this water to be dropped, for an additional savings of
approximately $3,500 per year.
Once the sewer charges have been lowered, an annual total decrease in the water bill of about$19,900
thus far will have been realized.
Management is currently searching for ways to reduce the consumption of water still further. Outside
of this, further reduction in water costs would require that the Town of Hillsborough lower its rate to the
SportsPlex, in recognition that the SportsPlex is a high volume consumer.
Use of volunteers: In addition to keeping the paid personnel as trim as possible, we need to explore
the systematic use of volunteers. Notable volunteers include Terry Bullin, who has donated many tens of
hours and much energy keeping the Zamboni (ice-surfacing machine) in top shape, and the
parent/administrators and coaches of the youth hockey leagues, an important branch of our business. Other
efforts to make significant use of volunteers have generally died for lack of energy. With the proper input,
we should be able to revive this activity in productive ways.
Both the Board and management continue to look for areas in which costs can be cut. Realistically, the
big ones have all probably been found, although cutting at the margins should still yield considerable
aggregate savings.
New Programs and expansions of existing programs
We have two areas of program development ahead of us: 1) Continued development of programs for
expanded use of the building during the weekday. During most of the year, this will have to mean programs
for schools, the universities, and seniors. 2) Development of specific new programs or of program
enhancements that will ensure that the popular times are utilized to the maximum by our clientele.
The Board and RMSC have several plans for additional programs and program enhancements which
will generate more revenue, increase activity during the weekday hours, and furnish service to the
community. These vary in the amount of revenue they will generate directly. They will all increase revenue
indirectly by 1) getting the SportsPlex more in the public mind and 2)building and reinforcing the notion for
the using and non-using public alike that the SportsPlex is a place where fun can be had and good things are
accomplished. Some of the highlights are:
Fitness passes ("memberships")
The single most productive thing we can do to boost revenues is to increase our numbers of
fitness pass holders, i. e., users of the building on a subscription basis. The trend is definitely up since
June, 1996(see Figure 6), and we believe the numbers are not at capacity. (Truly hefty increases,
however, will probably have to await major expansion of the fitness and aerobics areas, a capital
investment which is beyond our means at present.) In addition, we can probably design new types of
passes. For example:
Daytime fitness passes: A fitness pass at reduced rates for use only during the workday hours, say 6
AM to 4 PM.
An ice-fitness pass: With a little expertise, ice skating is a great, low-impact cardiovascular workout.
Perhaps with a fitness pass oriented to the ice only, we can encourage more regular use of the ice
during the workday and in the summer months.
Rock 'n' Skate
Particularly during the Friday and Saturday evening public sessions in the winter months, the real
aim of the mostly young clientele is more to socialize than to do any serious skating. In the summer
months, when skating alone is unlikely to draw large crowds, the Board esteems that the need for a
wholesome social activity continues to exist in the northern end of the County. We are working to fill
that void with a teen night program called Rock 'n' Skate, in which area youth can come to skate
and/or dance to live and recorded music. We would be extremely pleased if these sessions developed
anywhere near the popularity the public skating sessions enjoy in the winter.
Report to the Orange County Commissioners 5 May, 1997 page 9
12
At the present time, the main obstacles to the fullest expression of this project are the poor sound
system and acoustics in the rink. Nonetheless, we have a number of ideas for bringing this project to
fruition this spring, and we have begun experimentation in this direction. We welcome any input of
advice, expertise, or community energy.
Swim lessons for minority youth
In the SportsPlex program of swimming lessons for the fourth grade classes of the local schools
this year, a striking observation was that the white children mostly (about 75%)knew how to swim
while the minority children mostly did not(about 75%). Further, we learned that a disproportionately
large percentage of drownings in this state occur among the minority population(SCEs Studies,
number 42; a 1986 Special Report of the NC Department of Human Resources which is believed to be
relevant to 1997). This has led us to start a plan for swim lessons targeted mainly at minority children.
We suspect that the best way to reach into the minority community is to coordinate the project through
local minority churches. The initial phase is funded by$2,000 from various sources. For the
subsequent phases, we will be seeking funding from area businesses through grant applications. We
welcome any encouragement, assistance, or financing toward our development of this project.
Summer camps
Quality care for children during the summer months can be hard to find in all parts of Orange
County. The SportsPlex helps to fill this gap by having its own summer camp program as well as
serving as a resource for other area camps, aiding them to provide varied recreation and/or serving as
the rainy-day backup (see Table 2). Since the facility and business plan were not originally conceived
with summer camps in mind, some experimentation will be necessary before we have the perfect
system. For this reason, this year, our second year of camp offerings, we are capping the number of
children at a smaller number than before, and expect to provide excellent service with a summer camp
program which is totally unique in this area.
Swimming services for area summer camps
In addition to our own summer camp, a new program for summer 1997 offers swimming
services to area summer camps. As of this report, 10 camps have signed contracts. The total projected
enrollment is 650 kids, for a total of 1160 kid-visits per week throughout the summer (some camps will
be visiting more than once a week).
Skating services for area summer camps
In a program we hope to see expanded this summer or in coming summers, the Chapel
Hill/Carrboro schools' summer camp has contracted for ice skating for its campers at intervals during
the summer.
Programs for seniors
In the medical world, it is well known that the closest thing humanity has to an anti-aging
medication is frequent, vigorous exercise. And the medical literature increasingly contains studies
showing that seniors increase their abilities, quality of life, and enjoyment of life when they adopt
regular exercise programs. We will accomplish a major service and increase profitability of the facility
during the weekday hours if we can establish additional, successful programs for seniors (see Table 2
for existing programs such as water aerobics and Coffee Club).
The predecessor of OCCAC was the Triangle Youth Hockey Association, which played in the
decidedly youth-oriented Daniel Boone Ice Rink. Hence, from the beginning there has been a focus on
youth in our activities. We now recognize that we need to develop a second strong focus, a focus on
seniors, for which we are perhaps less well prepared. In our efforts to develop this focus, we welcome
any encouragement, suggestions and assistance from the community. In particular, we would like to
develop close associations with senior centers and county-wide programs for seniors. We intend to
make this a very active area in the coming months.
Report to the Orange County Commissioners 5 May, 1997 page 10
13
Physical therapy
We have built up some experience in physical therapy through the Aqua-Flex program and the
collaboration with UNC Hospitals (see Table 2, Aquatics), and this area is ready for expansion,
probably with the aid of senior centers, primary care centers, and physical therapy clinics. We should
aim to be a center utilized by local primary care and physical therapy centers, UNC Hospitals, Duke
Medical Center, and other area hospitals for their patients living within reach of the SportsPlex.
PE programs with the universities
The ice sports are among the fastest growing recreations in the country, and they are receiving
enormous television exposure. It makes sense that a complete university offering in physical education,
both for students of physical education and for the general student body, should include a component in
figure skating and/or ice hockey. We are seeking to set up such a program with UNC and Duke.
Non program sources of revenue
Potential non-program sources of revenue for the facility as a whole (as opposed to grants for specific
programs) include advertising in the building and corporate or private donations. We have had three major
successes with corporate donations: the timing systems in the pool and rink(Pepsi Cola and Kenan
Oil/Texaco, resp.) and a 15-passenger van(Northern Telecomm). All of these came through personal
intervention of individuals with these companies. A vigorous effort to generate other corporate giving in the
first year of operations was a total failure, presumably in part because incorrect images of the SportsPlex
could not be dispelled(a private health club dedicated to making money for profit or a government-
subsidized outfit that doesn't need it).
We have had very modest success in selling ads within the building. We are now armed with much
better data on the numbers of customers (potential viewers of the ads)we have, and we have started a new
campaign in this direction.
The above-named companies were approached for help with specific needs. Very possibly, we will
have more success if we can combine the ad campaign with specific needs. For example, we might enjoy
more success if we can convince companies that we would be rendering service by getting the teen night
concept going and that that will best happen if the rink is equipped with improved sound production,
adequate dampening of sound reflection, and more exciting lighting options (disco ball, strobe lights, etc.).
These considerations are just one more example of the fact that the successful running of the
SportsPlex business requires a range of expertise that goes way beyond what was understood when the
original business plan was developed. For the volunteer Board members, this makes the task interesting and
invigorating, but scary, all at once.
Marketing strategies
The SportsPlex is not immediately surrounded by a large population base. Hence, the challenge before
the business is to draw participants to the SportsPlex by the breadth and quality of its facilities and programs,
and by marketing. In short, people have to learn that something is going on at the SportsPlex, and then be
sure that it will be worth the drive.
The programs and events at the SportsPlex form the strongest component of the marketing strategy.
Good programs bring repeat business. If 650 summer campers enjoy their stays at the SportsPlex, that is
likely to be 650 kids who will want to come back some day. Kids who are able to experience skating
because of the Parks and Rec classes may someday want to come back for a public session or youth hockey.
In May, we will be hosting the monthly meeting of the Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce; we hope our
visitors will take some time to look around and possibly see ways that Hillsborough businesses could work
closely with the SportsPlex. A look at the crowd during the Carolina Monarchs exhibition hockey game
suggested that a lot of individuals were in the building for the first time. Maybe because of this
acquaintance, some came back for exercise. We wonder how many of the kids and their parents who took
part in the fishing rodeo were later tempted to come back for the more usual sort of SportsPlex activity.
And so on.
There's another aim in our choice of program. We want to see that cocktail party refrain "SportsPlex?
Never heard of it." replaced with "SportsPlex? Oh yeah, I hear they do some good things over there." We
Report to the Orange County Commissioners 5 May, 1997 page 11
14
want it recognized that the SportsPlex is one of the Friday and Saturday evening social hotspots in the area in
winter because it is safe and fun, and we want to extend this to summer. We want to be recognized for our
program to foster swimming knowledge in the minority community. We want to be seen as a service to
county summer camps that can extend what they offer because of our program. We want to be known as a
place where seniors can discover new strength. Etc.
We have also made ourselves available for worthy causes. The one of which we are the most proud
was when Hurricane Fran struck in September, 1996, the SportsPlex responded by opening its doors to
people who needed showers and bathroom facilities. A whole lot of showers were taken in the building over
the next 2 weeks. Otherwise, we have donated our services to charitable organizations as a fundraising site.
Beneficiaries include Triangle Hospice, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Orange County Firefighters
and Emergency Services Association, and the Chapel Hill Services League. And in a mutually satisfactory
arrangement, we provide employment for two people through Orange Enterprises, which helps find
meaningful employment for handicapped citizens.
On the technical side, RMSC has maintained a broad campaign of media advertising, direct mail,
telemarketing, and promotions both to inform people of specific programs and more generally to make it
harder to be credible when saying "SportsPlex? Never heard of it." The media include radio and print, and
some television. Promotions have included coupons with Pizza Hut, free passes at various events around the
county and beyond, broadcasts directly from the SportsPlex by local radio stations, public skating sessions
with the price linked to the radio station's call number ($0.97), and church night(a church group-oriented
public session in midweek). This contrasts with a virtual absence of publicity efforts in the first year, due to
worries about budgets, and, indeed, a publicity campaign which includes purchased media time can be
expensive. We have now experimented with no(or very little)publicity and with a broad program of
publicity, paid and unpaid. As we refine our publicity strategy and do more statistical followup, we will be
able to pinpoint the best "bang for our publicity buck" for the future.
On the other hand, RMSC has set up a number of activities which provide fun for patrons and bring in
the curious, including the media at virtually no cost. These include the turkey bowl at Thanksgiving,
canoeing with Santa, and the Dive-In Movies. The media have responded particularly well to some of these
events and to efforts like the fishing rodeo, the water safety classes, the scuba lessons, the Doug Leigh
clinic, and others. For their support, we are particularly grateful to the News of Orange, the Chapel Hill
Herald, the Durham Herald-Sun, and the Raleigh News and Observer, and to Fox 22, WRAL, and WTVD
television.
Report to the Orange County Commissioners 5 May, 1997 page 12
15
Table 1:Members of the Board
Name Position on the Joined Profession
Board Board in
Co-Chair and
George Horton member of the 1996 Builder and developer
Exec. Comm.
Co-Chair and Director, Auxiliary
Steve Halkiotis* member of the 1993 Services, Orange County
Exec. Comm. Schools; Orange County
Commssioner
Secretary and Professor of Physiology,
Robert Sealock** member of the 1993 UNC Medical School
Exec. Comm.
Director and Mother, homemaker and
Melinda Marlette* member of the 1995 businesswoman
Exec. Comm.
Jay Ladd Director 1997 Entrepreneur
*Orange County appointees
**Author of this report
Report to the Orange County Commissioners 5 May, 1997 page 13
Table 2: Programs at the SportsPlex 16
Aquatics
Public swim From before-work lap swims to Sunday evening family swims
Swim lessons Private or group
Targeted swim lessons Two programs: 1) One for area fourth graders in collaboration with the
elementary schools, and 2)privately funded swim lessons aimed at increasing
minority capability in swimming for fun and safety
Swim teams The swim teams of Orange High, Chapel Hill High, and East Chapel Hill
High call the SportsPlex home
Swim meets The three high school teams, New Wave, Raleigh Swim Association, and the
Chapel Hill YMCA hold multiple swim meets each at the SportsPlex; the
place really rocks when more than 1000 swimmers, coaches, parents and
vlounteers are there; the only venu offering both fitness and skating during
the long, empty moments characteristic of swim meets
Safety courses Beginning classes through life guard certification classes; Collaboration with
the UNC Safe Kids Program(see Chapel Hill Herald for April 20, 1997)
Dive-in-movies Swim or float on your raft while a film is projected on the wall
Water walking Low impact aerobic workouts against the resistance of the water; the effect of
2 hours of walking in 30 minutes
Water aerobics Aerobic exercise classes set to music; more varied than water walking
Aqua toning Muscle toning and tightening using the resistance of the water plus free
weights without the risk of injury
Swim-a-thons Distance swimming right at home. Win a T-shirt if you make it to
Wrightsvill Beach.
Scuba lessons The SportsPlex offers its pools to outside groups teaching scuba(see Chapel
Hill Herald for 26 April, 1997)
Aqua-Flex and physical Aqua-flex is a program specifically designed for individuals recovering from
therapy surgery, needing rehabilitation, or dealing with arthritic-type joint problems;
stresses range of motion, mobility, and strengthening. The UNC Hospitals
Dept. of Occupational and Physical Therapy uses the SportsPlex pool for
patients; a long-term contract is being negociated
Fitness
Weight and cardiovascular A broad selection of high quality machines and free weights for training or
machines general fitness
Personal trainer Advice and training in the use of the machines and free weights
Land aerobics Classes in several aerobics styles during the week
Senior Day A new program for May 1 intended to introduce the aquatics and fitness
centers to seriors
Fitness challenge Swim/Bike/Run to the Beach: Mileage to Wilmington and the "route" set up
on the SportsPlex stationary bikes, etc. Fifty participants so far.
Tae-Kwon-Do Basic martial arts classes
Yoga Classes in this recognized method of achieving flexibility, strength, and
awareness of body, mind, emotions and spirit. Offered when demand
warrants
Table 2 continued next page
Report to the Orange County Commissioners 5 May, 1997 page 14
17
Table 2, Programs at the SportsPlex, continued
Public Ice Skating Sessions
Friday and Saturday A strong tendancy toward youth, but everybody is welcome; a great social
evenings event, with up to 375 participants in a single session during the main skating
season
Saturday and Sunday Youth and family orientation
afternoons
Church night A two-hour session on Tuesday evenings for church groups and the general
public
Cheapskate A two-hour session on Thursday evenings at reduced prices for the general
public
Rock 'n' Skate Skate to the finest in rock for two hours following the Friday evening public
session(one entry fee covers either or both events)
Games, contests, assorted
special events
Figure skating
Group classes Instruction for youth(mostly) and adults at several levels; Free introductory
lessons. This program served 225 skaters in the January-February session in
1997 (includes 50 Parks and Rec skaters; see next entry)
Parks &Rec classes Learn-to-Skate classes in conjunction with Orange, Chapel Hill, Carrboro and
Durham Parks and Recreation Departments; 48 participants at the present
time
Private lessons One-on-one sessions with experienced coaches
Camps Two-day to one-week sessions to strengthen skills under tutelage of
experienced coaches. Example: The Doug Leigh clinic referred to in the text
of the report (see articles in the Durham Herald-Sun, 27 March, 1997, and
the Chapel Hill Herald, 31 March)
Coffee Club A mid-week session of light instruction followed by coffee, muffins and
conversation during the late morning
Competitions An annual competition for skaters from the area and beyond; travel to other
competitions to show off skills learned at the SportsPlex
Freestyle sessions Sessions for small numbers of figure skaters to work on jumps, spins, axels;
etc. with or without close coaching
Themed events The Christmas exhibition performance; good entertainment for families and
friends of the skaters in the SportsPlex figure skating classes
Precision Figure Skating Synchronized skating; you think your team sport requires good timing! See
Team article, Raleigh News and Observer, December 10,1996
Plyometrics and weight Specialized off-ice training for serious students of figure skating
training
Table 2 continued next page
Report to the Orange County Commissioners 5 May, 1997 page 15
Table 2, Programs at the SportsPlex, continued
18
Hockey
Youth hockey Travel and house(recreational) leagues for ages 5 to 18; USA Hockey
sanctioned; Instruction, games, and tournaments
Adult hockey A 16-team league divided into three divisions based on skill level for
recreational play; serves over 200 players
Instructional classes Instruction in the basics and finer points of the game for youth and adults
Pick-up hockey Informal games for adults
Stick and puck sessions Informal setting for youth and adults to work on skills individually or in small
groups
Hockey camps National-level hockey schools use the SportsPlex rink for camps and clinics
for youth from the area and beyond. Two schools, from Oregon and Canada,
will be here in summer, 1997
Carolina Monarchs Pre-season training camp for this American Hockey League team(one step
below the NHL); exhibition game open to the public
In-line hockey and skating An outdoor "rink" for America's latest sports craze
Group functions and special activities
Summer camp The SportsPlex offers its own summer camp with emphasis on ice skating,
swimming, roller blading, outdoor activities, etc.
Summer camp supplemental Area summer camps use the SportsPlex to supplement their offerings on a
activity weekly, contractual basis; 10 camps have contracted so far
Summer camp rainy day Area summer camps use the SportsPlex for back-up on rainy days
protection
Project graduation The site for Orange High's closed, dusk-to-dawn graduation festivities
Year-end school "trips" The 8th grades from Phillips and McDougle (Chapel Hill), Stanback
(Hillsborough) and Brogden(Durham); the 6th grade from Phillips; and the
5th grades from Central Elementary (Hillsborough) and Ravenscroft(Raleigh)
will have their year end celebrations at the SportsPlex
Birthday parties Cake and refreshments followed by swimming or skating for children's
birthday party groups; a very active offering
Private ice rental Private parties on the ice for church, school, work,
dormitory/fraternity/sorority or other group
Winter wonderland Children's sessions on the ice with mounds of snow, hot chocolate and
cookies
School vacations, teacher An informal day camp structure with skating, swimming, study hall. For
workdays, snow days working parents who have to fmd a solution to these planned and unplanned
breaks in the routine
Christmas in July Winter Wonderland in July
Physical Ed. facility for Area private schools use SportsPlex facilities for their physical education
private schools offerings
Meetings The large meeting room is available for use by groups
Fishing rodeo The SportsPlex has hosted one fishing rodeo on the pond, and is likely to do
it again.
Report to the Orange County Commissioners 5 May, 1997 page 16
Table 3: Where do the users of the SportsPlex come from? 19
The following data cover the period September, 1996 through 20 March, 1997
Table 3a:
Subscription holders ("memberships"). These are individuals who subscribe to the SportsPlex services via
Individual, Couple, or Family Fitness Passes (for the pools and fitness room)or Fitness Plus Passes (for the ice
rink, pools, and fitness room).
Home Number %
Hillsborough 538 60
Chapel Hill &Carrboro 94* 10
All other Or. County 94* 10
Durham 117 13
All other outside Or. 59 7
County
Total 902 100
*These identical numbers have been checked and found valid
Table 3b(See Figure.l for a more detailed, graphical presentation):
Individuals who have accepted a SportsPlex offer to put their names on a mailing list for information on upcoming
events and news.
Home Number %
Hillsborough 1351 33
Chapel Hill &Carrboro 1685 40
All other Or. County 131 3
Durham 856 21
All other outside Or. 138 3
County
Total 4161 100
Table 3c (See Figure 2 for a more detailed, graphical presentation):
Church groups that have visited the SportsPlex either as private rental parties or as groups coming with prior
arrangement to public sessions
Home Number %
Hillsborough 3 4
Chapel Hill &Carrboro 9 11
All other Or. County 7 8
Durham 22 27
All other outside Or. 42 50
County
Total 83 100
Table 3d(See Figure 3 for a more detailed, graphical presentation):
Schools and non-church groups (Scout troops, day care centers, university and college groups, etc.)
Home Number %
Hillsborough 36 23
Chapel Hill&Carrboro 37 23
All other Or. County 4 0.2
Durham 45 27
All other outside Or. 44 27
County
Total 166 100
Report to Orange County Commissioners 5 May, 1996 page 17
20
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CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO 26
YMCA.
980 Airport Road
Chapel Hill, N.C. 27514
Phone: (919)942-5156
April 10, 1997
Mr. Michael Robertson, General Manager
Triangle SportsPlex
One Dan Kidd Drive
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Subject: Aquatic Center Survey
Dear Michael:
Since the Triangle SportsPlex opened in 1995, we have greatly enjoyed the opportunity to
work in coordination with the facility to rent lane space and to host several swim meets. We
take pride in noting that since SportsPlex opened, we have hosted 7 swim meets at the facility.
Most recently, we had the opportunity to host a full YMCA Championship Meet on March 21-
23, 1997 which attracted 375 swimmers from 19 YMCAs throughout North Carolina and
Virginia.
Prior to this meet, we requested that you consider purchasing several key pieces of equipment
to complete the full 10-lane Colorado Timing System and Display Panels. You honored this
request, and the result was a most impressive, exceptionally smooth meet that was able to
utilize the full 10-lane pool. The entire field of teams was greatly impressed with the overall
facility, how fast the pool was, and the easily seen display panels on the wall for all 10 lanes.
I recently received a survey from Mr. Rusty Kretz, Director of Aquatics, asking about our
experiences at Triangle SportsPlex and inquiring about what if any additional facilities might '
help serve our group better.
I would like to take this opportunity to say that our working experiences with Rusty have been
excellent. We have found Rusty to be much more professional and straight-forward to work
with than any of his predecessors. Rusty has rarely settled to just meet our minimum needs,
he has constantly been working to find out how the SportsPlex can serve us better. We deeply
appreciate this level of dedication.
I would also like to note that two of Rusty's Assistants, Jeremy and Tara have been
outstanding to work with as well, combining a solid work ethic and professional conduct with
a good sense of humor. Rusty has attracted some talented employees for his department.
27
Regarding the survey's inquiry as to what if any additional facilities might help serve our
group better, I would note that we believe that there are some additional
improvements/equipment that the SportPlex should consider in the future:
• Sound Pads: Although nobody expects acoustics to be a strong point in a pool area, we
do feel that placement of some "sound pads" on the walls would greatly help absorb noise
and improve acoustics in the natatorium. Furthermore, such noise reduction would
probably drastically improve the quality of the existing sound system!
• Starting Console ole Extension Cord: This piece of equipment would permit the Colorado
Starting System to be moved down to the other end of the pool (for races that only consist
of one length of the pool), while still having enough cord to reach the Colorado Timing
Console.
• Additional SW,-&rs for beneath Starting Blocks: We believe that additional speakers
were utilized beneath the starting blocks at our most recent meet in March. Some of these
speakers did not appear to work however. We would like to see the SportsPlex eventually
acquire enough speakers that a speaker that could be placed beneath each starting block.
• Starting Blocks for the Bulkhead: This is a long term suggestion, not something that
needs to be pursued immediately. We believe however, that it would eventually be nice if
starting blocks could be acquired for the bulkhead (for races that consist of one length of
the pool). This improvement would certainly increase the range of meets that could be
hosted at the SportsPlex.
In summary, the Chapel Hill YMCA Swim Team has greatly enjoyed having the opportunity
to work in coordination with the Triangle SporsPlex. Over the past two years we have seen
many facility improvements. We believe that the SportsPlex's latest Colorado Timing System
purchases have moved the facility to the "next level," clearly establishing it as one of the
premier aquatic facilities in North Carolina. Furthermore, we believe that the present
Aquatics Staff is an outstanding asset to the facility.
Sincerely,
Robert G. Wilson, Jr.
Swim Team Director
(W) 919-968-2823
✓cc: Mr. Rusty Kretz
2s
Daniel I Flack and Rebecca T.Davidson
Chapel hill High School Swim Team
109 Timber Hollow Court Apt. 244
Chapel Hill,NC 27514
April 30, 1997
Rusty Krett
Director of Aquatics
Triangle Sportaplex
One Dan Kidd Drive
Hillsborough,NC 27278
Dar Mr.Kretz,
On behalf of the Chapel Hill High School Swim Tam we would like to express our thanks for your outstanding
support and assistance during our recent 1996-1997 season. Along with the East Chapel TO High Sdtool,we
rented pool apace ilea November 15, 1996 to February 15, 1997 for the following schedule:Monday,
Wednesday,Friday 6:00-7:30 a.m.and 4:15-5.45 p.m.
Due to your organization of pool ti=ne and spaces we were able to offer various prsctic c times for both Chapel Hill
High School Swim Teams. Your facility made it possible to accommodate all members of our teams based on
often hectic academic schedules and a concurrent local year round swim team. Our teams consisted of more than
60 high school studata from the Chapel Hill-Carrbory City School District.
The Sportsplex pool is a well designed,state of the art facility which makes swimming and coaching in a pleasure.
Training equipment was consistently avail able,the pool was always clean,and the staff incredibly friendly and
helpful. We could not have asked for better service. Your professweialmn was essential to our smoothly run
anon and we thoroughly appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Omfi n ---
Daniel J. Flack
Rebecca T.Davidson
29
Schools having end of year parties at Triangle SportsPlex
Brogdan M.S. 5/9 Durham
Stanbeck M.S. 5/23 Hillsborough
McDougle M.S. 5/30 Chapel Hill
Phillips M.S. 6/2 Chapel Hill(6h graders)
Ravenscoft 6/5 Raleigh(5"graders)
Phillips M.S. 6/6 Chapel Hill
Central Elem. 6/6 Hillsborough(5"graders)
Orange County H.S. 6/5 - 6/6 Hillsborough
(Project Graduation)
30
A184118SAWOMSP/ex
One Dan Kidd Drive
Hillsborough,NC 27278
telephone: 919-644-0339
facsimile: 919-644-2120
An Example of Ongoing Marketing -April 3, 1997
Aquatic Center
I. Family Movie Night tomorrow. Got a projector from Sally Kost. Would like to continue either every
other week or on a monthly basis.
2. Masters Swim Program-MWF 6:15-7:45 pm-Has had a pretty good turn-out(18 repeat
swimmers).
3. Submarine Week-May 24-30. Inflatable submarine with a slide on the end will be docked in the
SportsPlex pool.
4. Summer Camps/Schools-6 definite camps will be coming on a weekly basis for the summer.
Duke Memorial United Methodist Church McDougle Summer Sizzle
Kantner School Stanford Summer Sizzle
Orange County Rec. Dept. KidsZone
2 large groups are possibilities:
Ventures Durham Schools
5. Whales Tails Update-All schools have completed program or are schedules to do so before the end of
the school year.
Aquatics and Fitness Centers
1. Seniors: May Day Senior Event to be held on Thursday,May 1, 1997 from 9am to 1 pm. In addition
to working with Madelyn Ashley of Orange County,I am working with the Coordinating Council for
Senior Citizens in Durham to promote this function(as well as the Senior Shark Club).
2. Swim/Run/Bike to the Beach: Setting up a challenge to cover the distance from the SportsPlex to
Wrightsville Beach. There will be prizes for making it to certain destinations along the way.
Skating
1. Doug Leigh Seminar-Tremendous response. Press releases were sent to area newspapers. We had
good publicity from the Chapel Hill Herald. See articles in scrapbook.
2. Cheapskate Night starts tonight.
3. Teen Night will begin on April 26t'.
4. Youth Hockey has rented 19 hours of ice time.
General Marketing of the SportsPlex
1. Banner Advertising Packets: We are labeling the pictures in the packet and have ordered pictures to
be printed of our ice rink.
2. 8h Grade Graduation Trips: Two schools are considering the SportsPlex for end of year trip. They
plan to swim,skate,and use in-line hockey rink. (Total Revenue: $2,750)
3. Bi-Monthly Calendar of Events: Created a calendar of events for May/June. This includes several
different special activities/themes,as well as admission prices and times. See example without
artwork and coloring.
4. Provided passes for the Pullen Park Easter Egg Hunt.
5. Sunny 93.9 has given us sponsorship of the Raleigh/Cary MS Walk on April 12`h and 13`h. This
includes a minimun of 40 promotional announcements, on-site exposure,and the opportunity to hand
out passes/prizes.
6. Hosting Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting in May.
7. Video: We have contacted Alamance Community College,Durham Technical College,and North
Carolina Central about making a promotional video. They either do not have the equipment or the
people to do this.
Tr/snp/esporlsP/ex 31
One Dan Kidd Drive
Hillsborough,NC 27278
telephone:919-644-0339
facsimile:919-644-2120
An Example of Ongoing Marketing -April 24, 1997
Aquatic Center
1. Family Movie Night was a success! Next movie is Friday,May 2 at 7:30pm.
2. We had to cancel Submarine Week. The company will not send us another demo. This is the only
company that has demos,besides the`Big Red Dog",which is not safe.
3. Lifeguarding and WSI courses have been scheduled. This should help us get more guards.
4. Summer Camps/Schools-
KinderCare 100 kids lxweek
Duke Memorial United Methodist Church 12 kids 4xweek
McDougle Summer Sizzle 20 kids 2xweek
Kantner School 45 kids 3xweek
Stanford Summer Sizzle 20 kids 2xweek
Orange County Rec. Dept. 50 kids 2xweek
KidsZone 30 kids lxweek
Ventures 120 kids lxweek
Durham Public Schools 150 kids 3xweek
Kids Kountry 100 kids lxweek
*approximately$16,000 worth of business in the pool this summer.
Aquatics and Fitness Centers
1. Seniors: May Day Senior Event to be held on Thursday,May 1, 1997 from 9am to 1 pm. Flyers have
been distributed to Durham and Orange County Senior Centers,as well as seniors at the Orange
County Games.
2. Swim/Run/Bike to the Beach: Program has been put in place. We have 50 participants.
Skating
1. Ice Skating Open House on Saturday,April 26 to promote lessons and get more sign-ups for summer
sessions. In addition,we ran ads in the Chapel Hill News,Village Advocate and the Durham/Orange
county zoned metro section of the News&Observer.
2. Rock`n' Skate Night starts Saturday,April 26 from 7:30-Midnight. Cost: $4.95 per person
including skates. We are using a sound system and will have someone to play music(not requests,
but a good mix of music).
3. Camps: Chapel Hi1UCarrboro Community Schools will be skating 4 times this summer.
General Marketing of the SportsPlea
1. Planning to exhibit at the Chapel Hill Herald's Senior Day 97 at the University Mall,May 7.
2. 8h Grade Graduation Trips: Four schools are coming to the SportsPlex for end of year trip. They
plan to swim, skate,and use in-line hockey rink.
3. Bumper Stickers are in.
4. Working on design for t-shirts to be used for Fitness Challenge.
5. Summer Camp-Placed an ad in the Hillsborough Herald.
6. Banners-Have made good progress in selling a few banners(Wal-Mart).
7. Safe Kids Program with UNC Hospitals went well. We had a front page picture in the Chapel Hill
Herald.
8. Working on getting a"Shark"costume made for our mascot.
9. Churches-We have been telemarketing churches to visit the SportsPlcx.
32
Articles
SportsPlex Out To Change Image, Boost Membership The News of Orange County
September 25, 1996
Sports Shorts "Hockey", "Fishing Rodeo' The News of Orange County
September 25, 1997
Families Catch Time Together at Fish Rodeo The Chapel Hill Herald
October 13, 1996
The Durham Herald-Sun
Octoberl3, 1996
Slippery Stuff The Chapel Hill Herald
October 17, 1996
SportsPlex Halloween Fun The News of Orange County
October 17, 1996
Benefit Auction The News of Orange County
November 13, 1996
Skating Team Combines Speed, Skill The News& Observer
December 10, 1996
Famed Coach at SportsPlex The Durham Herald-Sun
March 27, 1997
Skaters Get World-Class Training at SportsPlex The Chapel Hill Herald
March 31, 1997
Scuba Diving Gains Flipper Hold in Orange County The Chapel Hill Herald
April 19, 1997
Getting Acquainted The Chapel Hill Herald
April 20, 1997
Summer Advertisement The Hillsborough Herald
April 20, 1997
The News of Orange County, Hillsborough, NC,Wednesday, September 25, 1996-3p+ 33
SportsPlex out — -
to change image ,g
boost membership
_ p
deejays who take requests and
By Rich Weidman moonlight skates for college kids."
Staff writer Another ro unique q program sched-
The Triangle SportsPlex board of uled at SportsPlex will be"Winter
Wonderland,"beginning on Oct. 14 �
directors turned to a New York
firm, Recreational Management for kids ages 2-9.
Services, to help reverse financial "The ice machine will dump , 5 :_F k
losses suffered by the facility dur- snow on the ice,and kids can create r }
ing its first year of operation. snowballs, snowmen and snow ,;
In seeking a new general man- castles,"said Robertson. lei
ager, Recreational Management SportsPlex has hosted the
Services turned to Mike Robertson, Orange County Senior Games
who brings a wealth of manage- Swim Tournament and the N.C. *v° "
ment experience to his new posi- State Hockey Games. The facility 6
tion. is also home to the Triangle Youth x g
SportsPlex, a $10.6 million, Hockey Association, the OHS
82,000-square-foot facility located swim team, and Duke and UNC
hockey teams,among others. l _V,`
off U.S. 70 A, opened with fanfare Y g
in April 1995. However, high debt In addition to offering swim-
and slow business produced losses ming, hockey and figure-skating
estimated at $250,000 during the lessons for all ages and abilities,
first year of operation. SportsPlex provides classes in such
diverse areas as in-line skating,
Robertson, who assumed his g.wa-
new post three weeks ago,said the ter walking, deep water aerobics, ' .
y y g scuba diving and fl fishing. �`"
facility has already started an a - g Y 8•
gressive marketing campaign to The Carolina Monarchs,primary
beef up business. affiliate of the NHL's Florida
"You can't just open the doors: Panthers, are currently holding
there needs to be marketing," said their 1996 training camp at
Robertson. "We're making a major SportsPlex. The team will host the
push to be where we want to be. Baltimore Bandits in an exhibition
We want to make sure everyone game on Sept. 30. Rich Weidman/The News of Orar
knows about the wide variety of Hockey teams are also coming in Mike Robertson brings a wealth of experience to
family-oriented programming we from Raleigh, Greensboro and position as general manager of the Triangle Sport
Burlington to utilize the facility,offer, and that this is a place they g Y. Hillsborough.
can come to and get entertained. according to Robertson.
"We're already on the right track. Robertson commends the hard organization. Robertson left Califo
Things are turning around. It will work of the SportsPlex staff, After graduation, Robertson be- manage a brand-new S4.2
just get better." which includes Donna M:rtinez,di- came assistant manager at the ice rink in Charlottesville,
The main features of SportsPlex rector of marketing; Rusty Kretz, Icecapades organization in New then he heard about the r
are a professional-sized ice hockey swim director;Craig Campagnolio, ment opening at Sportsplex
and skating rink, a competition- Part-time hockey director;and Mary York City's Central Park. He then "I thought it was a great
sited and recreational indoor Jo Bullin, figure skating instructor. managed ice rinks in California for
"We stress quality 3 1/2 ears. tunity since [SportsPlex]
swimming pool, and a fitness ten- q y customer ser- y than an ice rink," said Rol
g vice; our staff's attitude is that ev- I was responsible for overseeing than
been to many facili
ter offering aerobics,cardiovascular
and weight training. The facility ery customer is important," said maintenance,scheduling,personnel
and all programs this is the nicest I've sec
also offers a game room,restaurant Robertson. p gra sat the facilities," type„
and pro shop.
A native of Maine, Robertson said Robertson.
"Public skating was almost received a bachelor's degree in
neglected [in the past]," said recreational management from
Robertson. "We have a number of Franklin Pierce College in New
exciting programs in mind for pub- Hampshire. A college baseball
lic skating, such as basketball player, Robertson came close to
shoots, mini-goif games on ice, joining the Philadelphia Phillies
34
The News of Orange County, Hillsborough, NC, Wednesday, September
The News of Orange County
S IP (D
R
her
................ ..::::.:.::::.:.
:::::.....:::::::.::::..................:::.:..
....................................................
:.........
� .
place in the cook off at Hog Day
Hockey '96.
Fishing Rodeo
The Carolina Monarchs,primary The first-annual Kids Fishing
affiliate of the NHL's Florida Rodeo will be held on Saturday,
Panthers, is holding its 1996 Oct. 12, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the
training camp and an exhibition Triangle SportsPlex pond.
game versus the Baltimore Bandits Registration forms can be picked
at Triangle SportsPlex. up at the SportsPlex. Cost is $2.
General admission tickets for all Space is limited to the first 100
sessions and exhibition game are kids ages 3-12.
on sale now at SportsPlex. Call 644-0339 for more informa-
Training camp will run for.ap- Lion.
proximately three weeks as the Q n I•^it.,--t t
team gets in shape for the upcom-
ing American Hockey League sea-
son. While the schedule will.vary,
a typical training day for the
Monarchs at SportsPlex will in-
clude two hours of practice on the
ice followed by a workout session
in the facility's fully appointed fit-
ness center,which features cardio-
vascular, and weight training
equipment.
One of the highlights of training
camp is an exhibition game versus
the Baltimore Bandits on Monday,
Sept. 30, also at 7:30 p.m.
"We're delighted to host the
Monarchs, and give Triangle and
Triad hockey fans a great opportu-
nity to enjoy top-notch profes-
sional hockey here at our facility,"
said SportsPlex General Manager
Mike Robertson."Hockey is an in-
tegral part of our sports and recre-
ation programming —in fact our
own youth and adult leagues are
forming now so hosting the
Monarchs is a natural and very pos-
itive partnership."
Call SportsPlex at 644-0339 for
more information about the 1996
Carolina Monarchs Training Camp j
schedule.
�r C �
35
Families
catch time k �
together at f
g � -
fish rodeo
By ROBIN L. REALE }`
The Chapel Hill Herald ,
HILLSBOROUGH — six weeks
ago, Allan and Deborah Mellow
left their rushed lives in Stam-
ford, Conn., for the South's slow-
er pace in order to spend more
time with their 7-year-old son
Matthew. t
On Saturday, with a cam-
.
corder on her left shoulder, De-
borah Mellow videotaped her
husband and son standing at the
edge of a pond, hooking worms 1 Y
and getting their fishing lines
tangled.
"We've been able to spend a '
lot of weekends like this," she t
said as she watched them. y ; ,
From the other side of the
pond outside the Triangle
SportsPlex, where 40-plus chil-
dren participated in a fishing
rodeo for charity, the Meadows
were lost in a loose ribbon of
colorful jackets lining the shore. r
Relaxing in a lounge chair she
brought from home and with
her back to the crowd, Angela '. '
i
Butner talked with a friend and
gave advice to 10-year-old Bryson
as he cast his line a few feet
ahead.
The Butners were used to
going on fishing trips as a fam-
please see FISHING15 The Herala-surVPMR SCHUMACHER
REEL GOOD
TIME:
Contestants
gathered at a
pond near
Triangle
SportsPlex in
Hillsborough on
Saturday to test
their skill at
catching the
biggest, smallest
and ugliest fish
of the day during
the Kids' Fishing
Rodeo. Ned
Riggsbee and
his son, Jacob,
36
Families
catch time !llNa Id
io ether at e
g
REEL GOOD
fish rodeo TIME:
g Contestants
gathered at a
and near
By ROBIN L. REALE Triangle
The Herald-Sun SportsPlex in
HILLSBOROUGH — Six weeks ago,
o Rte, Hillsborough on
Allan and Deborah Mellow left their Saturday to test
rushed lives in Stamford, Conn., for their skill at
the South's slower pace in order to °��� _ ;. catching the
spend more time with their 7yearf biggest, smallest
old son Matthew. and ugliest fish of
On Saturday, with a camcorder the day during
on her left shoulder, Deborah Mel- �.< �: � the Kids' Fishing
low videotaped her husband and Rodeo. Ned
son standing at the edge of a pond, `
w, � �� ' Riggsbee and his
hooking worms and getting their • ` son, Jacob. 4, Uy
c,
fishing lines tangled. fi, � {' �' ' � their luck during
"We've been able to spend a lot the fish rodeo.
�..
of weekends tike this," she said as
she watched them. the,,,,,,,n 5U,,,PrrER SCHUMncHeR
From the other side of the pond Newman, 11, won in the latter. Grady Brown Elementary kinder-
outside the Triangle SportsPlex, An unexpected award was hand- gartner Isaac Dodson caught the
where 40-plus children participated ed to 9-year-old Christopher Tho first fish, but threw it back. In fact,
in a fishing rodeo for charity, the mas, a third-grader at Grady Brown most of the 102 fish caught Satirr-
Meadows were lost in a loose rib- Elementary School, for catching a day were let loose, according to
bon of colorful jackets lining the fish with his hands. He received an Donna Martinez, SportsPlex ntar-
shore. Relaxing in a lounge chair additional free pass to the Sports- keting director.
she brought from home and with Plex for the feat. All $86 in pro- But 5-year-old Isaac, who has
her back to the crowd, Angela But- ceeds were donated to HEARTH been fishing for two years, had c.il-
ner talked with a friend and gave Family & Community Resource culated plans for any big fish that
advice to 10-year-old Bryson as he Center in Chapel Bill, which pro came along. "Kill it. Ea[ it. Chop it
cast his line a few feet ahead. vides set-vices to and encourages re- up and give it to my brother," he
The Butners were used to going lationships between Orange County said, reeling in his line even though
on fishing trips as a family, she families, schools, businesses and as- he didn't have a bite. He does that
said, but this was the first time the sociations. every minute or so because casting
pair had been since Angela Butner "It's for a good cause, and there's is his favorite part of the sport, his
separated from her husband in July. nothing like sitting and talking." father said.
"This is a mother-son bonding said Bette Meadows, whose two The day wasn't over when Ryan
experience. I'm spending time daughters won prizes in the compe
doing something with my son that tition. "You can go to a mall and be Whitehead, a third-grader at
his father usually does with him," in a crowd and get frustrated with Carrboro Elementary School,
she said. your kids, but this is spending good caught a 1112-pound bass. He said he
For a $2 admission fee,children time together." was going to keep the open-
ages 3 to 12 received a free pass to Ten-year-old Stephanie Meadows, mouthed fish at the water's edge '
the SportsPlex and competed for who often rivals her mother for the until the competition ended. If he
prizes.Tackle boxes, rods and reels, best catch on fishing trips, reeled won and was going to be men-
zoo passes and T-shirts were given in 18 fish during the event. Jen- tioned in the newspaper, he would
for the biggest fish• smallest fish, nifer, 6. won for landing the small- have it mounted. If not, he would
first caught, most caught and ugli- est. Both girls attend school in set it free.
est fish. Roxboro resident Jamal Durham. Congratulations, Ryan.
SLIPPERY STUFF 37
AC --
1
The Herald SUrVCATMV SEITH
Kelley Berger (above), of
Timberlake, practices her
ice skating at the Triangle
SportsPlex in Hillsborough.
Brittany Vogel (left), 9,
shows that even an
accomplished skater can
fall down practicing. She
said she has been skating
for five years, and likes the
challenges and competition
in figure skating. The
Hillsborough Town Board on
Tuesday night put off
deciding whether to help
the Triangle SportsPlex with
reduced water rates.
Story/2
38
���► s o � 0 CW�r CoL .v�
�L°
SportsPlex
Halloween Fun
Orange County's largest sports
and recreational facility will be a
scary place the Sunday.before
Halloween.Kids will be entertained
Sunday,Oct. 27,from 1-4 p.m.by
the ghosts and creatures of the
Odyssey Project haunted house,and
by ice skating to Halloween music
and sounds.
In addition, candy treats will be
given to all youngsters on-the ice,
and prizes for games played on the
ice will be awarded.
All ages are encouraged to attend
Scary Skate in costume.
Admission is just$5 for kids and
$3 for accompanying adults.
Triangle SportsPlex will donate 50
cents-from every admission.ttt; .
Odyssey _Project scholarsh%
program.
39
You are Cordially Invited to Attend
the 6th Annual
N FIT
U TION
SPONSORED BY THE
HILLSBOROUGH ROTARY CLUB
FRIDAY
► NOVEMBER 22,
At Tria' hgle Sp' ortsPlex
in Hillsborough
Silent Auction Begins at 6:30 PM
Live Auction Begins at 7:30 PM
Preview of Items Beginning at 6:00 PM
Stay & See Duke vs. Hampton-Rhodes Hockey Game at 10:15 PM
A substantial portion of this year's auction funds will benefit the Hillsborough
Rotary Scholarship Funds for Orange County Students. The Balance will be
used for Community and International Humanitarian Projects
Sponsored by Rotary International.
%P v
r\�LLSC- c, _� Ver .
On the ice, these iris are
g precise
x
z
. t
w.
Jacque Beane, Laura Yeager and Colleen Dempsey practice their moves at the Triangle SportsPlex in Hillsborough. The girl
are members of the Carolina Ice Sensations, a team of precision skaters coached by Wendy Cook, below.
STAFF PHOTOS BY RYAN ;ONES
Skating team combines speed, s
BY BILL MITCHELL Figure Skating Association.Their
CORRESPONDENT brand of skating—similar to syn-
It s 10:15 on a Saturday morning chronized swimming,only faster
at the Triangle SportsPlex in —is relatively new but growing in
Hdlsborough.The ice rink— popularity throughout the United
filled all morning with hockey States and abroad.A world cham-
teams and pleasure skaters— pionship is scheduled for the year
suddenly empties. 2000,and precision team skating
j Swooping onto the ice,all theirs will almost certainly become an
for the next 60 minutes,come a Olympic event in time.
dozen girls ages 11 to 16.They're But to these 12 girls,judgment
from Chapel Hill,Durham,Apex, day will come in late January in
Hillsborough and Greensboro,but Buffalo,NX That's when they
on the ice they could be from Min- compete against teams from
neapolis or Montreal. Maine to Florida for the Eastern
They call themselves the Caroli- Regional Championship.
na Ice Sensations,and their team Their coach,Wendy Cook,
is the only one of its kind in the knows how it feels to reach the
state. summit of team skating.Her high
These kids are precision team school alma mater's team is the
skaters,training and competing nation's finest and has traveled to
under the auspices of the U.S. SEE SKATERS, PAGE 813
41
can compete and—all the while
SKATERS. —enjoy the company of skating
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 B friends.
"We work together instead of
Canada,Italy,France and Fin- against each other,"said Colleen
land. Dempsey, 15,a junior at East
"That's why I've stayed inter- Chapel Hill High School."A lot of
ested,"said Cook,a physical things that look simple are really
therapist at the Treyburn Reha- hard—like keeping a straight
bilitation and Nursing Center in line and moving our heads in
Durham."Team skating was unison.I think we have
such a positive experience for improved,like,really quickly."
Being a Carolina Ice Sensation
mNow Cook is working with the doesn't preclude a skater from
SportsPlex to kindle in North being a singles competitor,too.
Carolina girls the excitement In fact,every member of the
she experienced in the Boston team skates in figure-skating
suburb where she grew up on competitions.
skates. Jacque Beane,15,of Hillsbor-
It hasn't been easy.The skills it ough,has moved up three skill
takes to sharpen skates and levels in free-style competition in
design skating costumes aren't one year.
Hilary Dubose, 14,a ninth-
exactly indigenous Tar Heel
crafts.And just getting kids to grader at Orange High School,
won the open juvenile competi-
the rink demands a high level of
parental dedication.Some moms th in compulsory free-style at
dads have to drive 60 miles the e South Atlantic regional com-
and da
and round-trip.da petition in Pittsburgh.Little
But the problems are more Gareth Gwyn,11,of Chapel Hill,
than matched by the girls'enthu- Placed second in free-style
s among skaters in the pre-prelim-
fasm for the speed and specta-
inary bracket at Pittsburgh.
cle that team skating provides. "Competition of any kind stim-
Cook said they strive for una- ulates the girls to work harder
nimity of movement,as epito- and progress faster,"said Mary
mized by dance groups like the Jo Bullin,director of figure skat-
Rockettes.But the skaters move ing at the SportsPlex.
with much more speed and fluid- Right now the magic word at
fty than a relatively static chorus
line has. the rink is Buffalo.The regional"The top senior teams are just precision team championships are less than two months away.
phenomenal.to watch,.•Cook The Ice Sensations are fine-
said."Imagine up to 24 skaters, tuning their synchronization
all moving extremely fast,doing with run-throughs-in front of the
intricate splices and intersecting mirrors in the aerobics room at
moves to a driving musical beat. the SportsPlex.
It's a very exciting sight." They're also timing their spi-
There's another big reason for
the growing popularity of rals,pinwheels and other
maneuvers to match the calypso
sion teams,according to Cook. beat that establishes the theme
It's something a skater especial- of their program.
ly can appreciate. Coach Cook and assistant
"Ice skating for girls of this age coach Kelly Cowan will get to
can be a very lonely thing to do," measure the skaters'progress at
she said."It's not a school sport. 4:30 p.m.Sunday at the Sport-
Most of your friends don't skate. sPlex rink That's when the team
And if you want to be competitive will present its Buffalo program
as an indix4dual skater,you must as a preliminary to the main
have talent,and you must start event,"The Nutcracker on Ice."
very young,train hard and sacri-
fice a lot." The public is invited.Tickets are
This rather grim outlook cam $5 for adults,$3 for children.
discourage a good young skater Unless you want to travel to Buffa-
from sticking with the sport.By to in January,you won't get a bet-
joining a precision team,the ter chance to see what precision
youngster can stay in skating, team skating is all about
" 42
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Saturday, April 19, 1997
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APRIL 20, 1997 VOL 9, NO 313
An edition of The Herald-Sun,Durham,N.C.
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Send calendar items — including the event,
times, dates, location (including phone num-
ber), and ticket information — to The Chapel
Hill Herald, 106 Mallette St., Chapel Hill
27514. Information must be received one
week prior to the desired publication date.
Questions, problems, suggestions? Call calen-
dar editor Jada Harris Atwater at 419-6626.
On ping
CHURCH FELLOWSHIP NIGHT: Triangle
SportsPlex, Hillsborough. Games, prizes, ice
session and skating to contemporary religious
music. 7:30 p.m.to 9:30 p.m.Tuesdays. $5,
includes ice time and skate rental. 644-0339.
SWIM LESSONS:Triangle SportsPlex,
Hillsborough. Beginning and first-time swimmers
will receive 30 minutes of skills teaching, 15
minutes of structured practice and 15 minutes
of review.The remainder of the day can be
spent swimming for free.9 a.m.to 10 a.m.
Saturdays. $7.50 per person. Call to register or
for more information. Orange Co. Recreation&
Parks, 967-9251, 688-7331 or 227-0231 ext.
2660.
" tel._
�.J. �� z.' may" ♦ �• �'T '. �D�� "``` i.
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47
The Hillsborough Herald
1997 Historic Hillsborough Home and Garden Tour
Sunday, April 20, 1997
(ad from page 4)
The P � a.
j - _. y . Cool
f TES -Su i m Or�
Public Skating Daily• Figure Skating Classes
• Learn to Play Hockey Classes • Swimming
• Learn to Swim Classes••In-Line Skating
•Fitness Center•Birthday Parties•Aerobics
• Private Skating & Broomball Parties
DAVY Crl., � �.P
FAr ORrsPLEJX
AGES 7-13
One week sessions featuring:
• Canoeing • Roller hockey /
• Basketball • Ice-skating:-
•Swimming
• Games'& Activities
Approximately 1 counselor for every fo campers.Call to Register.
-TRIANGLE SPORTSPLEX
NC 86 & Business-70 • Hillsborough
Exit 165 off 1-85, Exit 266 off 1-40
919-644-0339