Iowa City commission approves framework for City Park Pool operations and new fee schedule

The Iowa City Parks & Recreation Commission on Oct. 8 approved a framework for operations at the new City Park Pool, including proposed hours, a standardized rules packet, and changes to rental policy, and adopted a revised fee schedule that raises daily admission from $4 to $5 and institutes a $100 refundable deposit for farmers-market vendors.

The commission heard a staff presentation laying out schedules for three pool areas. Brad (parks staff) said the activity pool would open for public swim at 1:00 p.m. daily and close at either 5:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. depending on swim lessons; the deep/diving pool would be open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1–8 p.m. (with Tuesday/Thursday lesson closures), and the lap pool would retain early-morning lap swim (6:15–9 a.m.) with an additional mid-day lap window that increases public access to two dedicated 50-meter lap lanes. Staff estimated the configuration would add nearly 46 weekly hours of 50-meter lap-lane availability for the public.

Staff emphasized the proposed schedule is a starting point and depends on FY27 budget allocations and lifeguard staffing. “Our intent is to be open to the public as much as we're able, within reason of budget [and] staff allocations,” Brad said. Commissioners asked about the midday gap when the activity pool is closed while the lap pool remains open; staff said the staggered opening is driven by lifeguard coverage and could be adjusted if demand and funding allow.

The commission also approved standardized pool rules translated into Arabic, Mandarin, French and Spanish and a change to the unattended-children policy to allow sixth-graders to use the facility without a supervising adult, matching the rec-center facility-pass policy. Staff noted manufacturer specifications could affect some amenity rules (play structure, rock wall) and said any special exceptions to rental rules could be granted by Julie, director of parks and recreation.

On rentals, commissioners were told the city will stop whole-pool Saturday evening closures that previously prevented public access; instead, the multipurpose room will be available for private use while the pool remains open. Lane rentals for organized groups (maximum two lanes) will continue during dedicated lap hours; deep-pool rentals may be scheduled in morning hours only when lap swim and additional guard coverage are present.

On fees, staff proposed raising City Park Pool daily admission from $4 to $5 (a 25% increase) to simplify operations and keep pricing competitive locally, and to increase the 10-punch pass from $32 to $40. To address chronic no-shows at the farmers market, staff proposed a $100 refundable deposit, with $25 retained for each no-call/no-show and the remainder refunded at season’s end. “We have had over a 100, no call, no shows or late withdrawals this season alone,” staff said, and estimated the program had lost a couple thousand dollars because of vendor no-shows.

Commissioners expressed concern about financial barriers; staff pointed to the city’s Rec Assist program, which provides a 50% discount on passes for income-eligible households. Staff also confirmed that FY2024 City Park Pool revenue was roughly $100,000 against about $241,000 in expenses, underscoring that pools are not profit centers.

The commission moved to accept the operations framework as presented; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The commission then voted to approve the full fee schedule, including the $1 admission increase and the $100 farmers-market deposit; that motion was also carried by voice vote.

Next steps: staff will return with more detailed policies on community-room rentals, final admission/discount decisions, and operational adjustments as the first season proceeds and budget allocations are finalized.