Following its first year of operation, Huber Heights officials said they want to become better neighbors and improve service at the city’s Brandt Pike community facilities.

City officials spent nearly an hour last week gathering input from citizens during a town hall meeting that focused on the 35-acre area, which features the Kroger Aquatic Center at The Heights and the Eichelberger Amphitheater.

The YMCA operates the $6 million aquatic center and $1 million amphitheater, which opened Labor Day weekend. The aquatic center opened Memorial Day weekend and attracted 86,914 people in its first season, exceeding the city’s expectations.

“As great as an addition as it is, it does come with some impact to others,” YMCA executive director Josh Sullenberger said. “We want to reduce that as much as we can. The feedback was valuable, and we want to put it to good use and make next summer even better for the community.”

About 25 people attended the meeting, and the majority of the citizens’ concerns were similar to those that city officials heard throughout the summer and fall.

The noise level was the primary complaint from the residents who live in close proximity to the venues.

“I’ve invested thousands of dollars in my backyard with landscaping, but I could not enjoy that this summer, unfortunately,” said Thelma Candler, who lives on Citrus Circle. “I’m hoping it will be better next year. I also worry about the value of the property, if I should decide to sell.”

Joe Hand, a resident on Deer Bend Drive, commended the city for adding “two outstanding attractions” that draw people to Huber Heights, spurring economic growth.

“Never once did we ever detect noise that was not noise that I would want to hear,” Hand said. “It was pleasant noise. It was kids playing. I can’t think of a more wonderful sound than just that.”

Police Chief Robert Schommer has said the noise level doesn’t violate any section of the city’s ordinance.

Melinda Stan, who lives on Deer Bluff Drive, said if she played music loudly or her children screamed for that length of time, she’d be cited.

“You guys don’t have to live up to the same standards that we do,” Stan said. “The next time we look for a house, it’s not going to be in Huber Heights. I’m a big supporter of Huber Heights, and I feel like you guys want to treat us like dog food. We’re property-owning tax payers, and we really feel like we’re not getting much consideration.”

Among the events held at the amphitheater was a concert, the Ohio State band and church services. Interim Assistant City Manager Scott Falkowski said the city is considering scheduling a Christmas concert later this year.

Throughout the summer, the city made changes to the facility based on residents’ concerns. Changes included constructing a chain link fence along the west side of the complex, adding landscaping to buffer the noise, relocating a dumpster, and adjusting the speakers and volume level at the aquatic center.

Falkowski said the city will look to address the noise issues brought up by residents on Citrus Circle, which is northwest of the complex.

“We’re going to keep looking at what we can and can’t do,” Falkowski said. “We’re not going to stop. We constantly want to try to improve this park. Some answers are easy. Some take time and money, and a little more planning. We’ll try to work out a plan to address each and every one of them.”

Sullenberger said he expects to present a final financial report for the aquatic center at the Nov. 26 City Council meeting.