Gahanna aquatics program reports record memberships, improved staffing and expanded programs

Gahanna aquatics staff reported a record season to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, citing a 15% increase in membership sales over 2024, improved staffing, expanded programming and several facility upgrades.

The department—s aquatic supervisor, Chris Simmons, told the board the department ran a targeted promotion that offered returning members a 10% discount (stackable with early-bird pricing for up to 20% savings), which produced 184 promo redemptions and contributed to the membership increase. Simmons said total visits at Gahanna Swimming Pool reached about 25,610, while Hunters Ridge recorded about 16,720 visits.

The nut graf: Staff attributed the gains to recruitment and training improvements that addressed a national lifeguard shortage, plus operational changes that supported retention and service expansion. Those changes included adopting a staff-communication app, raising the level of required CPR/first‑responder training and requiring pool managers to hold…