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The city has scheduled Memorial Day weekend for a "soft" opening this year at Prospect Pool, followed by a week off, then a full opening for the season on June 1, according to Interim City Manager Nate Kissell at a City Council meeting Monday.
The soft opening will "get the lumps and bumps worked out," while helping to avoid issues caused last year when some employees were at the pool for the first time during a grand opening that launched the season, according to Kissell and Police Chief Joe Merrill, who was involved recently in pool preparations as Kissell's predecessor in the interim manager post.
According to Kissell, the vibe around Prospect is more positive this season than last season, which was the first following the city's management takeover from the Central Blair Recreation & Park Commission -- some of whose members were pessimistic about investing in the facility's future due to infrastructure and security issues. The long-term future of the pool, however, remains uncertain, even though last year, the city's efforts led to "a safe, clean, good experience" for patrons -- as attendance wasn't as high as hoped for, according to Councilman Ron Beatty.
The city wants to keep up the positives, while also boosting attendance, according to Beatty.
"We'll use this year as a blueprint," Beatty said. "Then invest accordingly."
Last year's preparations following the takeover involved lots of labor over several months from many individuals connected with city government and otherwise.
"This year isn't as heavy a lift" due to those prior efforts, said Mayor Matt Pacifico.
It's even a bit lighter due to the city arranging for further help from the Blair Regional YMCA.
Last year, the Y managed the Prospect lifeguards, Merrill said.
This year, the Y will also manage the front office staff, including the manager, while selling pool passes and handling day-to-day maintenance, like water testing, Merrill said.
The city will continue to handle concessions, security and major maintenance issues, Merrill said.
The city ceded those additional responsibilities to the Y because the Y has experience operating pools, including the Bellwood-Antis Community Pool, officials said.
"Why reinvent the wheel?" asked Councilman Bruce Kelley.
A grand opening with special features on the second weekend may be possible, according to officials.
Officials will be working on scheduling special events like open swims, they said.
Such events worked out well last year, said Councilman Dave Ellis.
Mirror Staff Writer William Kibler is at 814-949-7038.