It’ll take more cash to splash at Everett pool

EVERETT — Starting next year, it may cost a quarter more to take a dip at the city pool.

Officials are proposing a rate boost at the Forest Park Swim Center that would affect admission prices, classes and pool rental. Adult admission would inch up from $3 to $3.25. Admission for a family would go up 50 cents to $7.50.

The public can weigh in at a series of forums, which begin Tuesday. The decision will be made by the parks director.

The fee hike is small and puts Everett squarely in the middle of what other local pools charge, said Lori Cummings, assistant director for Everett Parks &Recreation.

After a dozen years of making no fee increases, the city decided in 2007 to implement what it calls a “nudging” approach — frequent, small rate hikes rather than big leaps. The city plans to review fees every year or two. They also want to give people plenty of notice and a chance to comment before any changes are made.

That’s easier on patrons, Cummings said.

“We provide an important service for the entire community,” she said. “Where else can you take a family for $7.50?”

A little more than 100,000 people paid to swim at the pool last year. The pool offers water exercise classes, swim lessons, lap swimming and free time for kids to paddle around. Several swim teams, including Cascade High School, practice there.

Usage has remained steady the last few years, even as other area pools, including Snohomish, have shut down. The Forest Park pool has seen more demand for children’s swim lessons and pool staff have also noted more families.

The city spent just under $700,000 to run the pool. A little more than half of that cost is paid for by taxpayers. The rest is paid for by admission fees, Cummings said.

At the pool Friday, Dave Campbell, 57, said he’s willing to pay more to swim. He already drives all the way from Skykomish to swim at Forest Park for what he called his “preventative maintenance.”

“It seems like a little increase once in awhile is better than a big leap,” Campbell said. “It’s worth it.”

Pools, he said, do for the body what libraries do for the mind. It’s an important community investment for children, seniors and the disabled especially.

“We’re all going to get old and have aches and pains,” he said.

Debra Smith: 425-339-3197, dsmith@heraldnet.com.

Pool rates

CurrentIncrease

Youth$2.50$2.75

Adult$3.00$3.25

Senior$2.50$2.75

Family$7.00$7.50

The city plans several public forums about fees at Spruce Hall, Forest Park, 802 E. Mukilteo Blvd.

Tuesday: 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m.

Wednesday: noon.

June 8: 6 p.m. at the Parks Commission meeting.