Participation numbers at Lakes Leisure facilities have leapt by 26% for July 1 to December 31 in 2010.
Lakes Leisure presented the figures in its six-monthly report to the Queenstown Lakes District Council on Tuesday, announcing participation numbers at all Lakes Leisure facilities had reached 268,926 for the period, up on 213,920 for the previous year.
Chief executive Fiona McKissock said Lakes Leisure was focused on providing good value sport and leisure programmes and facilities for the wider community.
"Our team has worked really hard to manage the facilities efficiently and cater for up to 10,000 people per week," Ms McKissock said.
She said there were indications the positive participation trend would continue for the remainder of the 2010-11 financial year.
Departments funded by the council operating grant were within budget and Lakes Leisure had an operating surplus of $149, 000 due to the success of the Alpine Health & Fitness centre.
"This department receives no ratepayer funding, but strong community support and membership revenue from 1200 members has driven this operating surplus."
The operating surplus will go towards repayment of a bank loan which paid for centre fit-out and equipment, ongoing capital replacement, future investment and funding of subsidised community programmes.
