Parma Heights removes non-resident day passes at pool, cites safety and lifeguard ratios

Recreation Director Bacci told Parma Heights City Council on June 24 that, effective July 1, 2024, the city will stop offering non-resident day passes for open swim and instead allow residents to escort a limited number of non-resident guests.

"We will be removing our non-resident day passes; we will be allowing our residents to escort a certain number of non-residents into the facility," Director Bacci said, adding that non-residents may still attend other activities such as senior swim and doggy paddle. He said capacity is tied to the number of lifeguards on duty and that some water features may close if lifeguard-to-swimmer ratios cannot be maintained.

Council members responded positively. Councilwoman Maruschak commended the decision as difficult but necessary, saying it prioritized "the safety and security of our residents and our facilities." Councilwoman Palmisano said she had been at the pool when it reached capacity and praised staff professionalism: "They stayed cool and calm and handled it perfectly." Councilwoman DeSouza congratulated staff for the pool's popularity and noted it draws non-residents as well.

Director Bacci invited residents with questions about the policy or capacity clarifications to contact his office.

What’s next: the policy takes effect July 1, 2024; the recreation department will enforce entrance limits based on lifeguard staffing. No fee changes for pool programs were recorded in the minutes.