CHICKASHA – The YMCA will operate the municipal swimming pool in Shannon Springs Park again this year. The City Council unanimously approved renewal of the contract.
The pool will be open for “recreational swim purposes” from May 28 through Aug. 31, and typical hours of operation will be Monday through Saturday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., the contract provides.
The YMCA can use the pool after 6 p.m. for swimming lessons “and for other purposes,” such as late evening classes or parties. YMCA lifeguards and swim staff must be on duty during those times.
All revenues generated from gate admission, swim lessons, pool parties, and all other revenue producing practices will be credited to the YMCA “to cover operational expenses, including … staff wages, staff training, and supplies,” the contract provides.
Also, as consideration for the YMCA operating the pool, City Hall “agrees to waive the fees for use of the clubhouse located at Washita Park” from May 20 through Aug. 20 this year.
YMCA membership fees are $48 per month for single adults 18 or older, and $78 per month for two adults. Nonmembers are charged $5 to swim.
The Chickasha Area YMCA has incurred $40,571 in losses from operating the pool over the past four years, and anticipates a $15,255 budget loss this year, Executive Director Lewis Knisley informed the City Council on May 20.
“We cannot continue to run the pool at that kind of loss. We’re at the point we need to mitigate the loss,” he said. “We need to keep the Y viable.”
When asked why the pool operates at a deficit, Knisley replied, “It’s impossible to run a pool at a profit because it would be unaffordable for people to come to swim.” Bethany pays the YMCA $15,000 per year to run that city’s swimming pool, and Stillwater pays the YMCA $12,000 to $15,000 to manage their pool, Knisley said.
Water parks such as Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Oklahoma City can charge $30 for a daily ticket, $65 for a reduced-price season pass prior to Memorial Day, because unlike Chickasha’s municipal swimming pool they “attract a large number of people” and offer a variety of amenities, Knisley noted.
The City of Chickasha will be responsible for repairs and painting of the municipal pool, mowing the grounds, inspecting the pool at least weekly for compliance, and for the water, electricity and mechanical equipment.
The YMCA will be responsible for cleaning the pool daily, cleaning the restrooms daily and checking them every two hours for cleanliness and supplies while the pool is open, plus disinfecting and testing the water.
The Chickasha YMCA has operated the municipal swimming pool “since before 2007,” Knisley said. The contract approved by the City Council is between the City of Chickasha and the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City through its Chickasha Area YMCA Branch.