During the Galion City Council Parks and Recreation Committee meeting on Thursday evening, city officials discussed the current and future state of the Heise Park Swimming Pool, including operating costs, potential fee adjustments, and long-term improvements. The discussion was prompted by the YMCA, which manages the pool’s daily operations and sought guidance on whether fees for the upcoming season would remain the same.
“They are getting questions,” said Matt Echelbery of the Mayor’s Office, referring to the YMCA. “Specially what they are wanting to know this year is are pool pass fees staying the same? Are they changing?”
Council members weighed the impact of increasing minimum wage costs on the pool’s overall budget. According to the YMCA’s estimates, hourly operational costs are expected to rise due to wage increases. While no immediate fee adjustments were recommended, the discussion focused on a desire to keep pool passes affordable for residents, citing the pool’s importance as one of the few recreational options available in town.
Debating the Future of the Pool and Facilities
Beyond annual operating expenses, officials raised concerns about the long-term viability of the Heise Park Swimming Pool. The facility, which has undergone numerous repairs over the years, is beginning to show signs of aging. A key issue is the pool’s slide, which has reached the end of its useful life and may require replacement in the near future. The council discussed whether to continue investing in maintenance or consider constructing a new pool.
The idea of utilizing Freese Foundation funds—a local endowment that can be spent on parks and recreation improvements—was brought up as a way to fund a new pool without requiring the city to go into debt or raise taxes. Council members acknowledged that replacing the pool would be a multi-year project requiring careful planning and significant investment.
Mayor O’Leary advocated having a community discussion on the best course forward.
Exploring Fee Adjustments for Non-Residents
Another topic of discussion was the potential implementation of a non-resident fee for the pool and other city recreational facilities. Officials noted that many people from neighboring communities, particularly Crestline, rent park shelters or use the Heise Park pool. It was suggested that residents should receive discounted rates while non-residents could be charged a slightly higher fee for pool passes.
However, concerns were raised about how such a system would be enforced, particularly for daily pool visitors. While requiring proof of residency for pool passes might be feasible, enforcing it for single-day admissions could be more challenging.
Addressing Maintenance and Future Planning
The discussion also touched on broader parks and recreation needs, including necessary repairs at Heise Park and surrounding facilities. Officials acknowledged ongoing issues with city-managed projects, many of which have experienced delays in completion. Council members stressed the importance of avoiding project backlogs in the future and ensuring that improvements, such as resurfacing tennis courts and adding a footbridge between Amann and Amick Reservoirs, are prioritized efficiently.
As for the Heise Park Swimming Pool, the council did not make any immediate changes to fees or pass structures but plans to revisit the discussion later in the season. Additionally, they expressed interest in gathering more community input regarding the future of the pool, including whether residents would support a larger-scale renovation or a brand-new facility.
With the next Parks and Recreation Committee meeting set for March 7, officials are expected to provide updates on ongoing projects, potential funding sources, and a clearer timeline for addressing the pool’s long-term needs.
