Easton Could Raise Swimming Pool Fees
Public works director recommends raising fees for season passes by $5.
It could cost a little bit more to swim this summer in Easton's pools.
Speaking to City Council's public works committee Tuesday night, Public Works Director Dave Hopkins recommended a $5 increase in the fees for season passes at Easton's two public pools.
"That keeps us very competitive," Hopkins said, noting that the fees will still be less than what Wilson and Palmer Township charge for season passes.
Under the new plan, the cost to buy day-to-day access at Heil and Eddyside pools would not change, Hopkins said. Last year, the city sold 453 season passes. Hopkins said the increase will generate about $2,300 in revenue.
But city swimmers weren't happy with the idea.
"If they raise them much higher my family won't be able to go," reisdent Karen Carnes wrote on the Easton Patch Facebook page. "We all pay the individual adult rate. It's what I get them for their birthday - it's good exercise and as been (mostly) affordable. If the pools were open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day an increase might be more acceptable. But they are only open daily for about 8 weeks."
Hopkins also suggested the city change its deadline to buy season passes, moving it back from June 1 to May 1. He said this will keep people from "weather watching," i.e. waiting to see what the weather will be like before buying a pass.
Wilson, meanwhile, voted this week to lower its pool prices, according to the Morning Call. The borough will also spend $10,000 to make sure its pool is in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act.
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Heil Park
900 Packer St, Easton, PA -
Eddyside Park
N Delaware Dr & E Lafayette St, Easton, PA
J. Drew Stefancin
12:19 pm on Wednesday, March 14, 2012
It was in the Morning Call today that Wilson's Meuser Pool is lowering prices 50 cents for Borough residents.
Ronnie DelBacco
8:07 am on Thursday, March 15, 2012
Easton's pools are well kept and usually well guarded for swimmers. They do a pretty good job of keeping trouble makers out so families can enjoy their time at the pool. We get season passes and as long as conditions don't deteriorate the minimal increase isn't bad.
Keep in mind, they have to pay wages and bills too. I'd rather pony up a small bit more than have the pools close altogether due to cost overruns.
That said, I do believe that changes should be made to the FREE programs, regardless of how they are funded, which allow some to have free access to Hiel and free lunch too. If the rest of us are going to pay more to enjoy the pool and facilities, then those taking advantage of the FREE programs should also be asked to pay something towards them. The cost is minimal for a pass and most those using the FREE service for lunch and swimming can somehow afford cell phones, tattoos, jewelry, and other luxury items. Those of us who pay full price for recreational activities should not be asked to foot the bill of an increase alone while others continue to receive the same benefits, PLUS LUNCH, for free.
J. Drew Stefancin
8:42 am on Thursday, March 15, 2012
You guys know that in Hellertown they close the pool early so the college-age lifeguards can go back to school. Couldn't they just hire a couple of high school age kids or college age kids that didn't go away to school and keep the pool open for another month?
Ronnie DelBacco
9:54 am on Thursday, March 15, 2012
OR...
Train some of those (perhaps unemployed) who qualify for the FREE programs as lifeguards.
Then they'll have a job at the pool where they want to be anyway, at least for the summer, and a skill they can take into the private sector for more long-term employment with health clubs, etc.