Businesses Feeling The Heat From Lack Of Heat

EDINA, Minn. (WCCO) - A ride down the waterslide at the Edina Aquatic Center is a perfect way to beat the heat. But this summer, the slides have seen less traffic.

Jen Cirone of Minneapolis has noticed a difference.

"It's been a little bit slower, and usually I come at the very beginning of the season and I didn't this year," Cirone said.

Below-average temperatures for July and August have hurt attendance at local water parks. At $10 a ticket for admission, Edina Aquatic Center General Manager Patty McGrath says revenue is down significantly.

"On a typical day we would probably be...anywhere between 2,000 – 3,000 people. We've been seeing less numbers than that, more in the 1,500 to 2,000," McGrath said.

But while the cooler temperatures are bad for business at waterparks, folks like Jason Larson of Golden Valley are benefiting.

"I love it, I love it. If it was this year round, I'll take it," Larson said.

Twin Cities In Motion says they've seen a huge increase in sales with last-minute registrations for August races, with people anxious to run in 60- and 70-degree temps.

Ben Gervais of Minneapolis says it's nice to see more runners out and about, but sometimes it forces the regulars to switch things up.

"It's good for fitness, but for us that are out here all the time - we have to go to some of our secret spots," Gervais said.

So whether you like the milder or hotter temperatures that are on the way for this week, businesses could enjoy a cool dip in the pool.

"It's frustrating," McGrath said. "We want people to come and use it."