Cottage Grove pool reports significant community engagement and swim program success

The Cottage Grove City Council meeting on April 28, 2025, highlighted significant developments regarding the community's aquatic programs and their impact on local residents. The discussion centered around the usage and benefits of the Warren H. Doherty Aquatic Center, particularly the therapy pool, which has become a vital resource for the community, especially for seniors.

During the meeting, it was reported that pool usage has seen a substantial increase, rising from 16,000 visits in the year prior to the current manager's arrival to 27,000 visits last year. This growth reflects the community's engagement with the facility, with seniors making up 62% of the monthly visitors. The manager emphasized the importance of the therapy pool, which was included in the center's remodel in 2019 following a verbal agreement with the South Lane School District.

Financial aspects of the pool's operations were also discussed. The manager noted that the city has consistently supported the aquatic center through its budget, ensuring that community use remains affordable. Plans for future improvements include hosting more swimming meets and gradually increasing fees to maintain accessibility while covering operational costs.

The meeting also touched on the importance of swimming education and water safety, with over 7,000 lessons provided to school children and additional lessons for community youth. The manager expressed a commitment to enhancing community engagement, particularly among youth, and acknowledged the need for better outreach to promote the pool's offerings.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the aquatic center's role in enhancing the quality of life for Cottage Grove residents, particularly through swimming education and community engagement. The council's ongoing support and the manager's dedication to improving the facility are expected to further benefit the community in the future.