Councilor Stehly recently sent this notice out;
As we enter into the warmth of summer, I invite you to buy a pass to our outdoor pools. Last year I enjoyed swimming laps at the large traditional Frank Olson pool, located on east 18th street. This pool is a wonderful addition to our “Water Park†pools. I have encouraged Don Kearney from the Parks Department to develop more activities for adults like lap swimming, water walking and Zumba classes during the noon hour and the evening family swim. Last summer at Drake springs Adults could bring in their own beverage and listen to upbeat music during the noon activities. All pools need to offer the same attractions.
The summer passes are very reasonable and can be purchased at any pool. (Children $30, Adult $70, Senior $40, Veteran, $40, Family $100, reduced income adult $40, Reduced income family $50.)
She has been concerned that Frank Olson pool is on the chopping block. She noticed Thursday night that there are NO extra activities scheduled at the pool.
She had requested extra signage be installed off 18th street and that they add a noon adult time with music, water walking and lap swimming. Hasn’t happened yet.
We can’t have city staff responding to individual requests from councilors. Or am I missing something? If Stehly doesn’t like pool stuff or the long term direction she needs to change the policies or plan through the council.
Tony, you are correct. But if the councilors have to follow administrative rules shouldn’t council be allowed to do their jobs according to charter and set the policies of the parks thru ordinance?
We absolutely can and should be communicating concerns to department heads. My colleagues on the Council are constantly encouraging all of us to reach out to City staff with concerns. Many times citizen/community concerns can be addressed without an ordinance/resolution.
Why can’t we just build an other indoor pool complex there. We could call it Aquatic East and then deny an other middle class neighborhood their outdoor pool, where general passes work….(“Not only that, but I heard First Premier employees get first take at Events Center tickets, too….(?))
Build a new spray park there!!