Wausau parks committee raises pool season pass prices, keeps reduced options and scholarship aid

The City of Wausau Parks and Recreation Committee voted unanimously Aug. 4 to raise several pool pass fees for the 2026 season, approving new resident and nonresident rates and an increase in daily admission. Jamie, Parks Department staff, told the committee the department had been reviewing fees to inform the city and county budget processes and had proposed a routine 3% increase. "We're recommending an increase of 3% like we typically do each year," Jamie said, but added the county might direct larger changes for county-run facilities. The committee adopted a motion by Alder Watson, seconded by Alder Rasmussen, to set 2026 season pass rates at $40 for Wausau resident youth, $60 for Wausau resident adults, $50 for nonresident youth and $75 for nonresident adults, and to raise daily admission to $5. The motion also directed indexing other fees by 3% for budget purposes. The motion passed unanimously. The department said current benefits and comparisons informed the proposal: a resident adult pass currently costs $52 and covers access to all three Wausau pools; the department noted Weston charges $59 for a single pool and $79 for a two-pool joint pass. Jamie said Wausau's pass provides entry to three pools and remains lower than some nearby options even after the changes. Committee members discussed equity and use patterns. Alder Rasmussen and others said they wanted to encourage youth access and expressed concern about pricing out families with limited means. "We want to encourage our youth to use our pools," Alder Rasmussen said. Several members suggested options that would raise adult rates more than youth rates to protect affordability for children. Committee members also noted that scholarships are available: the department budgets $3,500 annually for assistance and typically honors free-and-reduced lunch verification to qualify applicants. Committee members requested follow-up data to inform future adjustments, asking staff to provide counts of season-pass sales by category, usage metrics for pass holders, and the remaining balance in the scholarship fund. Jamie said she would send the requested sales and usage data and noted the fees can be revisited if the committee wishes. The committee also discussed annual timing for fee reviews; members agreed to evaluate fees near the end of each season so adjustments aren’t sudden and to ensure fee levels remain in line with operating costs. The new fees will be used in the department's 2026 budget materials but committee members may revisit them if the requested data or budget conditions warrant further changes.