Town explores renting Camp Rising Sun's pool for public access

The board discussed whether to pursue a short-term rental of the Camp Rising Sun 40-by-80-foot pool to expand public access to swimming in town.

Chair said the camp foundation's prior renter will not be returning this year and asked whether the town would be interested in renting the pool. The camp has a grounds person and routine water testing but does not provide lifeguards; if the town rents the facility it would need to staff lifeguards and set hours. Chair noted the rec pool in town is expensive for some residents and that a rented camp pool might broaden affordable access.

Members discussed operational options (full-season, weekend-only, lap swim windows) and liability. A board member asked whether the town's liability coverage would extend to programs the town runs at another facility; Chair said the town's coverage follows municipal programs and the insurer would be notified of any changes. The board directed staff to arrange a tour with the foundation, gather pricing options (A/B scenarios with different hours), estimate lifeguard staffing costs and return with a proposed budget.

"We would need to pay a certain amount in rent to offset the cost they would have of keeping the pool operable," the chair said, and asked for proposals the foundation could price. Staff will report back with rental pricing, staffing costs and schedule options so the board can decide quickly before the summer season.