Title
Aquatics Season Extension - Weekends in September
Description
This report is in response to the request made at the Formal Council meeting on May 5, 2021, to evaluate and bring back information regarding the extension of the 2021 pool season to include all weekends in September, ending the pool season on Sept. 26, 2021.
Report
Summary
The 2021 pool season is currently scheduled to begin on May 29, 2021, and end on Labor Day, Sept. 7, 2021. Twelve pools will be open for this year’s pool season: Cortez, Deer Valley, Encanto, El Prado, Falcon, Maryvale, Paradise Valley, Pecos, Perry, Starlight, Sunnyslope and University.
At the request of City Council, staff researched the feasibility to extend the pool season beyond the traditional budgeted end date. Based on the department’s preliminary evaluation, staff has identified the six pools listed below as potential locations to be open on weekends through September.
- Encanto - 15th Ave. & Encanto Blvd. (Staff Availability Confirmed)
- Starlight - 78th Ave. & Osborn Road (Staff Availability Confirmed)
- Sunnyslope - 3rd St. & Dunlap Ave. (Staff Availability Confirmed)
- El Prado - 19th Ave. & Alta Vista Road (Pending Confirmation)
- Maryvale - 51st Ave. & Campbell Ave. (Pending Confirmation)
- Paradise Valley - 40th St. & Bell Road (Pending Confirmation)
Below are factors that have been taken into consideration during the evaluation:
- Staff Availability - Aquatics staff are part-time/seasonal employees. Most staff are schoolteachers and high school/college students who return to work/school in mid-August. An extended season through September is dependent on their availability to continue working.
- Staff Transportation - Many staff do not have their own transportation and typically work at pool sites that are close to home; and they have limited, to no, availability to travel to work at other pools sites. This was a factor when identifying the six proposed September extended season sites.
Additional factors when considering the feasibility of extending the pool season through September includes staff absenteeism and participant attendance. With limited staffing available in September, there is potential that on any given day there may not be sufficient staffing levels to meet County Code Requirements, as such this could affect a pool's ability to open. Also, historically, attendance at City pools declines in August due to schools and fall sports resuming. It is anticipated that attendance would further decrease in September, as pool water temperatures cool.
The Parks and Recreation Department will continue to verify staff availability for El Prado, Maryvale and Paradise Valley pools. Based upon staff availability and whether they have transportation available to travel to other pool sites, it is possible that these sites could change. Also, if there is an increase in staff availability, additional pools could be identified.
Financial Impact
The cost to operate six pools for an additional six days is approximately $100,000 that would come from savings that occurred by only opening 12 of 29 pools for summer.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Inger Erickson and the Parks and Recreation Department.