Canal Winchester reviews pool access policies ahead of summer season

The Canal Winchester City Council meeting on March 3, 2025, focused on discussions regarding swimming pool access and rates as the summer season approaches. Council members revisited a topic from the previous summer concerning the admission policies for the local pool, which has not seen significant changes since its construction in 1998, despite the town's population growth from approximately 3,000 to nearly 9,500 residents.

Council member Shea highlighted the need to consider limiting pool access to residents and those living within the school district. He proposed that residents should have unrestricted access, while non-residents could be allowed to purchase memberships but not day passes. This suggestion aims to ensure that local families have priority access to the facility.

City staff member Jackson noted that discussions about pool rates have taken place, but no restrictions have been finalized. The pool typically opens on Memorial Day weekend, but with the local schools returning to session on August 12, the pool season will be shorter this year. As a result, Jackson recommended not increasing the current rates, which have remained unchanged since 2016, to accommodate the reduced season.

The council also discussed the definition of a household for membership purposes, clarifying that temporary guests, such as cousins staying for the summer, would not qualify for household memberships but could still enter as guests. The council plans to gather more detailed financial data on income generated from day passes and memberships in future discussions.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to balancing access to community resources with the needs of local residents as they prepare for the upcoming pool season. Further discussions on pool policies and rates are expected as the summer approaches.