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 lifeguard‑instructor credentials.

Simmons said aquatics received 254 applications in 2025, made 159 offers and completed hiring for 145 positions; 84 applicants sought lifeguard roles. He reported 53% retention of 2024 staff (71 returning). The board and staff emphasized that being fully staffed for the season reduced cancellations and allowed more consistent coverage.

Training and certification numbers supplied to the board included 87 lifeguard certifications, 72 professional-rescuer CPR/AED certifications, 10 new lifeguarding instructors and seven new water‑safety instructors. Staff described an in‑season recertification routine and said they partner with neighboring municipalities and Red Cross trainers to run classes when enrollment or availability requires it.

Program growth included a 13% increase in group swim‑lesson enrollments (653 participants) and a 16% increase in the adaptive‑lessons program. Staff added two programs in 2025: a diving team and a junior‑lifeguard course, the latter of which drew participants who had completed offseason babysitting training. Simmons noted a new adaptive lesson testimonial from a parent praising instructors for meeting a child with autism "where they were at" and improving safety awareness and skills.

Facility investments included new starting blocks for swim‑team rentals, new tables and umbrellas for concessions, high‑visibility clocks to support safety‑break timing, additional deck storage and two large shade umbrellas funded by the Parks & Rec Foundation. Simmons said swim‑team rentals grew with the addition of three teams, boosting rental revenue by about 70%.

On finance and access, the presentation showed an overall aquatic cost recovery of roughly 53% (within the department—s required 20%–50% range but identical to 2024), and reported 42 families received financial assistance through the Parks & Rec Foundation in 2025 (40 for full memberships, two for swim lessons). Nicole, a staff member, said scholarship awards generally mirror the school free/reduced lunch model: families qualifying for free lunch received 75% support; reduced‑lunch families received 50%.

Board members praised the operation—s safety record and staffing improvements. Commissioners asked about anticipated major repairs, and staff said no major repairs were expected immediately but noted an annual capital‑maintenance request to manage aging facilities. The department also acknowledged an ongoing review of pool entry and membership‑scanning processes to reduce congestion at point of entry.

Staff said they will continue cross‑jurisdictional training collaborations (Hilliard, Grove City, Plain City) to ensure enough instructor capacity for lifeguard and instructor courses. Simmons and Noel (aquatics coordinator) said they have already begun preparing job descriptions and recruitment for the 2026 season.

Ending: The board thanked the aquatics team for the season and for preparing early for next year—s hiring and programming needs.