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Del City residents press council to reopen community pool; staff outlines $61K–$69K operating options
Summary
Residents urged the Del City Council to reopen the municipal pool for children and families. Staff presented two operating scenarios: a four-day weekly season costing about $61,250 and a five-day option about $68,500; projected seasonal revenue was described as under $20,000.
Del City residents urged the City Council on June 16 to reopen the city pool this summer, citing a need for supervised activities for children and public swimming lessons. Council staff presented cost estimates for restarting operations and outlined staffing and startup needs.
At the city council meeting during the public comment period, resident Ron McCall invited council members to neighborhood events and flagged community interest in local recreation. Jim Hightower, a Del City resident, described the pool as an important summer resource for children and said the city should open the pool and consider covering it to allow year-round use. Hightower said family members have competitive swim experience and that the pool keeps youth engaged.
City staff provided cost projections if the pool reopened from July 5 through Aug. 18. Staff said a five-day weekly staffing scenario would cost about $38,500 in wages; a four-day scenario would cost about $31,002.50. Chemical and mechanical startup requirements were estimated at about $30,000. Staff combined those figures into total projected costs of approximately $61,250 for the four-day option and $68,500 for the five-day option. Staff also said historical seasonal revenue from the pool is “less than $20,000.”
Council members and staff acknowledged a shortage of lifeguards and said the city has looked into outside providers. Hightower told the council his niece, Sarah Robinson Holmes, a regional manager with the YMCA in Oklahoma City, said the YMCA can provide lifeguards and staffing support; the council said staff had begun collecting quotes.
Council members said the city recently adopted its budget and that reopening the pool will require balancing priorities, but they encouraged residents to stay engaged. Vice Mayor Finch asked that residents keep staff and council updated with information and public pressure, and staff said they would provide further cost and contract details as they are finalized.
The meeting record does not show a formal council motion to reopen the pool on June 16; staff provided estimates and the discussion ended with an agreement to continue exploring options and to keep the public informed.
