The 2010-11 financial year had been a "resounding success across the board" for Lakes Leisure, with 635,340 visits to the Frankton facilities - a 27% increase, chief executive Fiona McKissock said.
Lakes Leisure's annual report shows an operating surplus of $74,456, which represented funds available for reinvestment in programmes, services or community assets.
The total comprehensive income was more than $1.2 million, including net other income of more than $1.1 million - the latter reflecting the timing difference between the receipt of Queenstown Lakes District Council capital grants for the investment of fixed assets and its "significantly lower" accounting depreciation.
Ms McKissock said strong growth in all areas of the business had generated an increase in operating revenue of $655,783, a 25% improvement on the previous financial year.
"This has resulted in a greater proportion of costs being funded by user charges with the relative reliance on QLDC operating grant reducing from 44% of total revenue in 2009-10 to 41% in 2010-11."
The balance sheet had "strengthened considerably" with shareholder equity increasing by $1,201,037 to $2,567,681, she said.
A major contributor was the capital investment of $1,362,803 by council to community assets, like additional car parking, the stadium floor upgrade, indoor and outdoor lighting and changing facilities.
Alpine Health & Fitness was self-funded through user charges and operated without the financial assistance of the council.
Ms McKissock said its success during the year, which saw it reach 1250 members at year end, had allowed Lakes Leisure to reinvest in the development of programmes for the wider community, which often reached "overlooked" groups.
Programmes like The Leisureleys, Big Bods and classes run in conjunction with the Southern District Health Board were all funded by Alpine Health & Fitness membership revenue.
Aquatics also recorded a strong result with total participation in the 2010-11 year for Alpine Aqualand reaching 154,606, a 14% increase in volume on the last financial year.
"Lakes Leisure is certainly achieving goals and delivering on council agreed objectives.
"Our statistics show we are not only getting the numbers, but reaching the wider community.
"We are achieving great results when it comes to contributing to the wellbeing of our community through both the encouragement of and provision for sport, culture and recreation in our district.
"And that is what is what we are primarily here to do," Ms McKissock said.
The report will be presented to the council's finance and corporate committee in Queenstown tomorrow.
