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Parks and Recreation reports pool maintenance, reduced hours and staffing limits for summer
Summary
Parks and Recreation staff told the Senior Citizens Advisory Commission that two borough pools will be replastered this summer, requiring scheduled closures; staffing shortages have reduced daily hours at MarySci and constrained weekend/open-swim offerings.
Parks and Recreation staff updated the Senior Citizens Advisory Commission on April 11 about senior programming, lifeguard recruitment and planned pool maintenance that will affect users this summer.
Bridal Charlton, identified by staff as the borough Parks and Recreation superintendent, said ongoing lifeguard shortages forced the department to reduce MarySci pool hours from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. to 10 a.m.–3 p.m. to maintain coverage. The department is recruiting lifeguards and training new staff; one additional permanent hire is expected to finish training in May.
Charlton said two borough pools will be replastered this year — construction that staff said is typically scheduled every seven to ten years but has been deferred for roughly 17 years. Hammy Pool will be closed May 1–Aug. 1; MarySci will be closed Aug. 1–Oct. 18. Charlton said the department worked with school and swim-team schedules to avoid overlapping closures; while one pool is closed the department plans extended hours at the other to maintain programming.
Program highlights - Aquatics: A core group of about 20 seniors attend walking and exercise programs regularly; aqua-size classes run at Westcott and MarySci pools with roughly a dozen regular participants. - Staffing and hours: Reduced MarySci hours are a staffing response to cuts in lifeguard positions in prior budget cycles; Charlton told the commission the assembly cut five or six lifeguard positions two years ago and the department has not regained all positions. - New staff and programs: Cynthia Ice joined Parks and Recreation as a recreation program manager after nearly 19 years working at borough pools; staff credited her with helping increase program engagement. The Joy Center now hosts table tennis on Wednesdays, and Parks and Recreation offered an expanded grandparents-and-grandkids craft event with an adjusted fee model ($5 project fee per child) to cover materials.
Why it matters Pool closures and reduced hours affect older adults who use aquatic exercise for health and mobility. Charlton said staff planned schedules to avoid closing both pools at the same time and will try to offer extended hours at the remaining open facilities when possible. Commissioners asked about the potential to restore previous hours if the assembly restores positions; staff said additional permanent positions would be required to increase daily hours.
Next steps Parks and Recreation will continue recruiting lifeguards and training new hires; staff plan to complete replastering and return MarySci and Hammy pools to full service on the stated timelines.
Sources and spelling The department provided program names and pool nicknames in the meeting packet and on-screen presentation; the commission asked staff to continue sharing scheduling updates with senior program participants.
