City of Somerville header
File #: 206457    Version: 1
Type: Communication Status: Placed on File
File created: 7/18/2018 In control: City Council
On agenda: 8/23/2018 Final action: 4/11/2019
Enactment date: 8/23/2018 Enactment #: 206457
Title: Parks and Recreation Director responding to #206302 re: outdoor pool utilization and capacity.

  Agenda Text

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Parks and Recreation Director responding to #206302 re: outdoor pool utilization and capacity.

 

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Official Text

To the Honorable Board:

 

In response to Agenda Item #206302:

That the Director of Parks and Recreation report on how often the public outdoor pools reach capacity and what, if any, pool staffing or policy changes may enable more people to access pools on hot days.

 

Departmental Response:

 

The Parks and Recreation Department manages one outdoor pool, Dilboy. The maximum patron-to-lifeguard ratio at the pool is 25:1, as recommended by the State in 105 CMR 435.23. When that maximum ratio is reached, a waiting line is formed outside the pool facility, and new patrons are allowed to enter the facility only when patrons previously admitted to the facility leave permanently for the day.

The Dilboy pool has required a waiting line a total of 3 days in the last 4 years, meaning the pool is able to meet demand more than 98% of the time. Our ability to do so is primarily driven by our success recruiting and retaining lifeguards, which many outdoor pools across the State struggle with.

Please contact me if I can be of further assistance.

Sincerely,

Jill Lathan, Director of Parks & Recreation