Swimmer alert: the Piedmont Recreation Commission is looking at possible changes to the schedule at the Piedmont Community Pool that could impact lap swimmers and recreational users.
The commission will hold the first of two public hearings on the pool on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at 7:30 p.m. in the City Hall council chambers, 120 Vista Ave. (The second hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 15; details below.)
The biggest change under consideration is to reserve the pool on weekdays from about 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for the exclusive use of three groups: the Piedmont Swim Team, a year-round, competitive youth club; the Piedmont High School swim team; and the PHS water polo team. (The PHS swim team is co-ed; there are separate PHS water polo teams for men and women.)
Lap swimming and some recreational swimming would be scheduled from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on weekdays. The current winter schedule permits lap swimming from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, and some adult swim classes will be offered this spring on Fridays from 4 to 5 p.m.
The proposal suggests implementing the new weekday schedule in late May.
According to a report from city recreation department staff members, the new schedule would:
- Reduce concurrent activities for the safety, comfort, and quality of each program
- Set clear time frames for programs to optimize growth
- Minimize schedule reductions to preserve pass integrity
- Adjust the schedule for community youth users to a suitable time of day
- Offer a consistent schedule throughout all seasons
"Public comment is invited and encouraged at these hearings, particularly from Pool Pass holders and regular swim pool clients," according to the public notice of the hearings posted on the City of Piedmont website.
No final decisions or actions will take place at Wednesday's meeting.
The second hearing, on Feb. 15, will include a financial report on pool operations and staff recommendations for the 2012–2013 budget, including a proposed fee schedule for passes and gate fees. A new fee schedule would be subject to city council approval after a recommendation from the recreation commission.
The city took over operation of the Piedmont Community Pool in July, 2011. Previously the city-owned pool was operated under lease by the Piedmont Swim Club.
You can see the hearing notice and staff report on the Piedmont Community Pool on the City of Piedmont website here, and the agenda for the Jan. 18 meeting of the recreation commission here.
