No Swimming Pool?
After years of enjoyment by many, the Gackle City Pool is in threat of not openning this year. For many years, the pool has been able to run off of a sum of money that was donated. This money has run out. The cost to keep the pool open during the last year totalled close to $9000. We are estimating costs this year at $10000.00 and likely more each year. The park board has been busy during the past year making renovations and updates to the city parks and this all comes at a cost. The total income from the pool last year was only $1955.00 and this doesn’t even come close to covering the chemicals used for the pool($3250.00). So if you have any ideas on what to do, please contact a park board member–Darla Reed, Bonnie Denning, Sandi Rivinius, or Percy Schlecht.
March 27th, 2008 at 6:19 am
Might want to check out Linton’s blog, looks like they are dealing with the same pool issue you are.
April 3rd, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Our community is often threaten without the use of the pool due to funding; but for us we have an American Legion that puts a little towards it.. its not a money maker; but what else can the kids do? I wonder if parents would pay more if we had a special day or something to draw others to our pool? Like an 1980 afternoon or something. Keep up posted.
May 15th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Sorry, but you are paying far too much for chemicals for that pool. We have a pool the same size as the Gackle pool and pay less than $200.00 per year for chemicals for our pool. If you can not keep the pool clear with less chemicals you may need to clean your filter more often or you may need a new filter system which is more efficient. $3,250.00 is an incredible amount of chemicals. Does this also include a service. A head lifeguard should be able to add chemicals (a simple job) and test for accurate readings.
A new filter system is about equal to the amount you pay per summer for chemicals.
You need a reputable pool service to give you advice as to whether your filter system is working efficiently.
Please, no pool needs that much chemical!!!!
May 15th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
A way to make money for the pool is to have family activities:
Donut, juice and coffee Sunday morning swim.
Pot luck dinners are fun family activities
Swim night for adults only
Swim night for teens
Dance and swim on the deck
Game night at the pool
Water aerobics for adults and teens
Sell drinks, candy and ice cream bars
Start a swim team for children to compete against each other with meets on Saturday morning
Put up a table tennis table, badminton area outside the pool area to entice children to come everyday.
Have a variety of fun activities for family at least twice a month. These should be in the afternoon and evening to encourage working people (parents ) to attend.
May 15th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Have a gourmet night where reservations are made far enough in advance of the event. Provide an exceptional meal with a lot of atmosphere. A white table cloth and candles. Quality of the food should be more important than the quantity. This must be a gourmet treat equivalent to a 5 star restaurant. That will allow you to charge enough for it.
(Research menus on the computer.)
Have a special night for families with foods children like, Hamburgers. hot dogs on a stick, chips etc. ending with a sundae. Give out balloons. Adults pay more than children.
Coffee hour (two cups for the price of one) On a regular basis one day a week
Have outdoor tables and chairs in cafe style
Ice cream social which encourages families (weekly event during the summer)
Hot Chocolate social (for the winter)
Have a relaxing area with a sofa, chairs and reading material. A place where one can sit, chat and have a cup of coffee.
Children’s ” read a story night” with popsicles for a treat. Read several books for various ages. Members of the community may volunteer to read to the children. This should be a regular activity so everyone will set the time aside to attend.
Disco night for teens. (appropriate food available)
This is all a lot of planning and work. It needs to get established over a period of time to be sucessful.
Advertise.