Estherville, IA (KICD) — The inaugural season for Estherville’s brand-new aquatic center came to a close after Labor Day, and despite the delayed grand opening City Administrator Penny Clayton was pleased with attendance.

She says the city’s estimates prior to the season were right about on the money for season pass sales, but day passes did exceed expectations by a fair bit.

The concession stand was a unique design, meant to be accessible from outside the park. The original intent was meant to serve the neighboring splash pad, but Clayton tells KICD they actually saw more patrons from elsewhere.

Being the first year, there are still lessons to be learned and things to improve on, and Clayton already has these things in mind for next year.

According to Clayton, there were a little over 12,000 estimated visitors at the new facility this year, which she says is roughly double the numbers from the old pool’s final season.