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Whitewater Challengers owner paying county annual maintenance costs.
Ken Powley took over operation of Luzerne County’s financially draining Forty Fort recreation complex because he didn’t want the facility to deteriorate or, even worse, shut down.
It’s a gamble because his company – Whitewater Challengers Inc. — must pay an estimated $20,000 to $30,000 in annual maintenance costs, even if it doesn’t generate enough revenue to cover the expense.
Powley is asking organizations and corporations to consider supporting the venture by renting, sponsoring or advertising at the fields and pavilion. The complex is a “great venue” for corporate picnics, community festivals and other outdoor events, he said.
“Between now and October, it’s important that the park enjoys enough support from the community to justify its remaining open again next year, and beyond,” Powley said. “Maintenance and operating costs for the complex are not insignificant, so field and event rentals are essential to meeting our obligations there.”
The 35-acre recreation complex includes seven soccer fields, three softball fields and picnic pavilions. Field rentals are down compared to last year, in large part because the county delayed a decision on whether the complex would open in light of the county’s 2010 budget cuts.
Officials had closed the facility earlier this year but reopened it April 3 with increased fees for organizations that want to use it. Commissioners approved an agreement in May for the White Haven-based Whitewater Challengers to take over the complex. Powley said he has reduced the rental fees that had been enacted by commissioners.
“Unfortunately, that period of uncertainty extended into April, so some leagues had to make a decision to look elsewhere. Whether we can get them back next year remains to be seen,” Powley said.
Whitewater’s takeover occurred too late in the season to plan large events, Powley said.
“We’ll start this fall working on logistics for new events, and we’ll have the whole fall, winter and spring to promote them. I’m optimistic about next year, but getting through this year will be tough,” he said.
A new website at www.luzernecountysportscomplex.org provides details about renting fields, advertising and hosting events. Naming rights are also up for grabs.
“We’re trying to put the word out to the community that it’s a tremendous resource. It’s an awesome place to hold events,” Powley said.
The company’s agreement to operate the park runs three years, with renewal options after that.
In addition to covering maintenance costs, the company must turn over a percentage of receipts to the county. Up to 20 percent of any net revenue must be given to the county this year, but it increases to 8 percent of gross receipts from Jan. 1, 2011, through the contract expiration in May 25, 2013.
“Whether he loses or makes money, he will have to give the county eight cents on every dollar,” said county Engineer Joe Gibbons.