By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Instead of making a big splash with swimming pool rate hikes, the Bowling Green Park and Recreation Board agreed to make gradual changes Tuesday evening.
Park and Recreation Director Kristin Otley suggested the board make incremental changes that aren’t such a “shock to the system,” to users of the aquatic facility in City Park.
The board voted to raise the daily fees for non-residents by 50 cents. The board also agreed to raise the annual pass rates for residents and non-residents by $5 – unless current passholders renew them by May 18, before the pool season rush begins.
That means the daily admission for non-residents will increase to $7 for adults, $4.75 for children, and $6.50 for youth.
The annual fees not purchased by May 18, for residents will jump to $150 for families, $105 for adults, and $95 for seniors. The annual passes for non-residents will be hiked to $185 for families, $125 for adults, and $115 for seniors.
Otley reported that the pool was not closed for any full days last summer due to weather or “fecal incidents,” – which is quite unusual.
“Now is the time to look at those fees,” she said, noting that rates were not increased last year. “It was such a value this past summer.”
Jeff Crawford, chairperson of the park and rec board, said even with the increased rates the pool is “in the ballpark” with other area facilities. He also noted that the increased non-resident rates are “pretty reasonable” since city residents already support the pool with tax dollars.
The pool operated at a slight loss last summer, when the debt service for the five-year-old facility is factored in.
“We’re just trying to be efficient with tax dollars,” Otley said.
City Council member Sandy Rowland said she appreciated the board weighing the pool rate increases so carefully.
Park and recreation board during Tuesday’s meeting
Also at Tuesday’s meeting, Otley talked to the board about aging structures in City Park – especially the Veterans Building. “It needs to be addressed,” she said.
An architectural firm looked at the Veterans Building in 2014, with three options considered of tearing down the building, remodeling the building, or tearing down and replacing the building.
Simply tearing down the building is “not really an option,” Otley said. “That building has served us well for over 100 years.” It is one of the most cost-effective rental spaces in the community, she added.
The Depot and Scout Building are also suffering from age and use, so Otley said she would like to see an architectural firm come up with conceptual plans to replace all three structures – possibly with one building. The firm would be asked to come up with plans and cost estimates that could be presented to the community.
“Let’s not be tied to the footprint it’s on and that it needs to be one level,” she said.
The very earliest that any construction could begin is 2018, Otley said.
Also at the meeting, resident Frank McLaughlin expressed his concerns about the community center hours being cut on Friday evenings.
“I know it’s important to consider cost effectiveness,” he said.
However, there are other factors to consider, McLaughlin said. Competing gyms offer much longer hours, some at lower rates. While cutting hours may save money initially, it could cost the community center if members switch to other gyms for greater convenience.
McLaughlin also objected to the fact that the cut in hours was not discussed with any of those who regularly use the community center during those hours. “No one approached us,” he said. As a public facility, supported by tax dollars, that is unreasonable.
McLaughlin asked that in the future any changes in hours be handled differently by the board.
Cheryl Windisch, of the parks and recreation foundation, said the annual wine and cheese fundraiser will add more beer this year. Bowling Green Beer Works has been asked to make a special brew for the event.
Windisch also reported that memorials are being worked on for long-time park supporters Margaret Tucker and Hal Hanna. She said the park and rec foundation is being selected for more bequests. “Bit by bit, the word is getting out,” she said.
In other business at the meeting:
- Otley reported the park and recreation master plan received unanimous approval from City Council.
- Ivan Kovacevic, recreation coordinator, reported that the first three weeks of the Brown Bag luncheon series have each been attended by more than 90 people.
- Otley said the Ohio Department of Natural Resources reimbursement grant of $50,000 has been received for the Building on Nature Phase 2, which is the remodeling of the interior of the nature center in Wintergarden Park.
- Windisch reported the Parks and Recreation Foundation has approved the purchase of a trailer that can be used to take the archery program supplies to schools.
- Otley said the splash pad creatures for the pool have been ordered and should be installed by time the pool opens.
- Windisch said that in an effort to support local businesses, the parks and rec foundation will move its investments to Modern Woodmen.
- Otley said the community center mosaic project is almost completed, and should be installed in April.
