Community Park pool fees slated to rise

By: Rachel Silverman
   Though members of Community Park Pool may have long ago put away their kickboards and tanning lotion, they’d better be prepared to take out their wallets, as the Princeton Recreation Department has raised pool admission prices for the 2005 season.
   For Princeton residents, this means shelling out an extra dollar per daily pass, and $5 to $10 for seasonal memberships. The family seasonal package, for example, is increasing from $200 to $210, while the price for senior citizens is going up from $45 to $50 this swim season. This marks the first time the Recreation Department has raised pool prices since 1998.
   The price hikes are the result of decreased pool revenue over the past five years, according to Recreation Department Program Director Katie Herlihy. The pool lost about $20,000 last year alone, largely due to cool, rainy weather and dwindling one-day users.
   Steeper prices are also needed to finance pool maintenance and staffing demands, including Community Park’s 50 full- and part-time summer lifeguards.
   In addition, the new rates are part of a larger planning process, as the Recreation Department aims to build a new pool.
   "The pool is 36 years old," Ms. Herlihy said. "We’re planning for the future."
   Such plans, however, are in the early stages of discussion, and would not be completed for about 10 to 15 years.
   "We would look to do research first," Ms. Herlihy said, "and have community input on this."
   The pool — located off Witherspoon Street near the Princeton Township municipal building — currently serves 3,900 seasonal pass holders, plus an unknown number of daily pool users. In addition to the 50-meter pool, recreation facilities include three diving boards, a wading area and lap lanes. Swim team, water fitness and dive lessons, among other aquatic activities, are available to the public during the pool season, which typically runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
   Despite climbing pool prices, the recreation staff remains optimistic increased revenue and membership numbers will result.
   "We’re hoping the public will look at the big picture," Ms. Herlihy said.
   But those who would rather not pay the heightened pool fees are in luck. By signing up before April 15, swimmers can take advantage of the early-bird special, paying last year’s rates for this year’s membership.