[Awclist] RRAC cancels Tuesday night Kayak Drop-in

[Kelly Gossett]

All,
Rio Rancho has canceled the Tuesday night 'Kayak drop-in' due to a lack of participation. In the 4 months that they offered the drop-in, the max participation was about 6. Of those nights, there were only 3 or so who attended more than 2 nights. 
 
This is an unfortunate battle to lose, considering the cost, insurance needs and volunteer time needed to run the Los Altos Pool session. 
 
We are still considering other options, including a Saturday morning option, when the pool is least used. They are still open to other times and dates for Kayak drop-in, but for now, Tuesday nights are over. 
 
I've suggested from the beginning that RRAC not use the Fall/Winter time as a guage for popularity and overall success, because (as you all know) people put away their kayaks and get out their snow skiis and boards. Attendance drops at all pools state-wide during the winter - it always has. 
 
I've also informed them that Saturday morning is not a good time either, as most of us will be headed to the river at that time. Still, this is one of the few times the pool is scarcely available. 
 
I also suggested a once-a-month weeknight Kayak Drop-in, as opposed to canceling the tuesday night drop in or weekend drop-in. One night a month, for one reason or another, does not work for them. 
 
Through the discussion, one positive change occured. I mentoned that many beginners depend on myself or others to bring kayaks for them. RRAC has 6 kayaks (3 rec/touring, 3 whitewater) which were previously to be used for formal instruction classes only. Now, provided I'm present and responsible for the boats, they can be used any time - formal classes, kayak drop-in, family days, etc.
 
You are encouraged to send your comments directly to Jennifer King, (JKING at ci.rio-rancho.nm.us) to let RRAC know of your interest and opinion. It would help to CC me on your email.  Please DO NOT send rude or distructive emails. It's taken months to build this relationship, and only takes a few nasty emails to destroy it. Consider the good of the community before individual requests. For example "X-time on X-night works best for me!" will almost certainly be disregarded.  I still believe 1-night a month, for 2 hrs, is our best option at this point, and encourage you to send a similar request. If they agree, we can look at specific days. Pre-paying one day a month, for a full season, meets our needs and theirs, while we continue to build interest on that side of town.
 
Understand their perspective: RRAC is under great pressure to maximize the pool's utilization and revenue. Additionally, we are one of dozens of stakeholders who want to use the pool, during it's limited rental time. Staff, utilities and other expenses cost more to keep the pool open for us, than they receive in Kayak Drop-in revenues.  
 
Please let me know if you have any questions, comments, suggestions.
Thanks,
Kelly
 
 
 
 


      
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