3 sneaky commissioners bought Awful-Fun for a half million buck$.

[gunnar1073]

Well I liked All 4 Fun... And I liked the Putt Putt. But then again I enjoyed putt-putt in Wright Park and was completely pissed off when they tore that down.

[K C Muffin]

I agree that putt putt and go karts can be a lot of fun - but considering the debt load, do you know how much it can cost to operate something like that year-round? I also can't see how anyone can expect it to draw tourists. What does it offer that the rest of the town doesn't. Yeah, maybe something to do, but ya gotta get 'em here first. I dunno....even 3 years can bring down some fairly hefty red ink.

[Bubba]

Originally Posted by ksgrainman

OH NO, how much water will this use? we better all run to south dillons and stock up!!!!!!!

If you're talking about a water park, it is no joke....you better stock up.

[Bubba]

Originally Posted by K C Muffin

I agree that putt putt and go karts can be a lot of fun - but considering the debt load, do you know how much it can cost to operate something like that year-round? I also can't see how anyone can expect it to draw tourists. What does it offer that the rest of the town doesn't. Yeah, maybe something to do, but ya gotta get 'em here first. I dunno....even 3 years can bring down some fairly hefty red ink.

It seems to me I remember a thread started by tat2me82 asking for things to do for the tourists that stay at the motel she works at. All-4-Fun would be one more thing to recommend to a tourist that is already here looking for something to do besides visiting taco stand trailers around town.

[TexKan]

Well when inestors aren't knockin your door down - ya gotta invest in yourself - if no one else will.

[Mike B.]

TexKan,

Dodge City investing in its self is a losing investment. Any Gov't. venture, wheather it be Fed., State or local never comes out ahead. Gov't. has no idea how to run a business. The best they can hope for is to partner with private interprise and maybe break even.

I've tried to think of some facility that is owner by the city that is making money or at least breaking even. I can't think of one!

One reason the cities continues to flop in this type of situation is because they get to use other peoples money. What kind of incentive, to be successful, is that?!?

Bubba,

Talking about a water park, in the past I've supported the idea of some type of water facility, but not to the tune of 11 million as presented a few years ago. Even that large of park would, according to the experts (the YES men, whoever they are) say the amount of water evaporation for the entire season would be less than one day of Dodge City's water consumption. Since our current pool is in poor shape...maybe WND could build us a new modest water park?


Anyway, the commission we have now must have some knowledge of where the money trees are hiding. Spend, Spend and Spend is their motto.

[Made in the USA]

Didn't this thing get some City or County money when it was built?? Seems like I remember a loan, grant, or something from the local Government.

I went down there once to try it, and wasn't that impressed. Played the putt-putt golf, and about had a heart attack when they told me what it cost. Decided it was cheaper and more entertaining to stay home and "putter"! Besides that, it definitely was more safe. The nite I went down there, some rowdies were smacking golf balls all over the place.

I suppose they will try to use the "Y-not Dodge" funds?

I guess it beats letting the thing sit there and rot. Maybe it will give the kids something more to do, and maybe draw some out of towners to stay an extra day?

[TexKan]

Well I m thinkin - would you rather have more empty buildings that no one pays taxes on?????? Who the hell cares if it's a city venture or a joint venture? It's a venture!

ANd what is the - city pool is crap? I thought that was a pretty new pool. Hell the one in wright park lasted for probably 30 years AND was a bigger pool - I think. Maybe I was smaller..........

I would think the pool would still be under warrenty or sumthin - it's not that old is it? Personally I didn't like that pool anyhow. A water park would be nice - perhaps a few of the misfits could just drown while they were there......... or perhaps some of the bangers could just have a few mishaps while there.

Seriously - I think a water park could make money - provided folks can afford the entry fee. If they outprice themselves then nuthin will make money.

[lurker]

The taxes are current... the owner of record has too much to lose by letting them slide.

The details of the contract between the sittee and the owner would be an interesting read... if they're made public? If the owner retains ownership during the three year period, then his taxes will be due and payable (about $45,000 per year) while he will receive $30,000 from US. Unless the sittee pays the tax obligation (again, US), he will have to cough-up an additional $15,000 to meet the obligation. The insurance will be on US.

Let's run the cheap numbers:

"Lease" $30,000
Taxes $45,000
$75,000

If we have 100 days of operation (this is simple math) we'll need $750 per day just to pay those two costs. Insurance, utilities, maintenance, labor and "special projects" director costs aren't included.

[Army_of_One]

Since you break it down like that...I don't think there's any way that place will average $750.00 a day unless they are selling Corona's and have a taco stand sitting up in the parking lot....lol