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Council approves Premier Aquatics to operate Hart Park Pool amid questions about costs and access
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Summary
Council approved a one‑year contract with Premier Aquatics to reopen Hart Park Pool year‑round and run lessons and public swim; speakers praised the move but pressed the city for transparency on fees, scholarship availability, and total operating costs. Vote: 5–2.
The City Council on March 10 approved a one‑year agreement with Premier Aquatics to operate Hart Park Pool and expand programming, including perpetual group swim lessons, lap swim, and community recreational swim.
Staff said the option to contract pool operations allows the city to restore aquatics programming while limiting long‑term costs; the recommended contract includes a management fee (listed in the staff report as $186,000) plus $30,000 for maintenance and a revenue‑share framework. City staff said the proposal would restore lessons, expand access and provide scholarship opportunities.
Public commenters included Julie Lupicolo and Jonathan, who represent water‑safety nonprofits and urged the council to protect affordable lesson access and confirm that the contractor’s curriculum and certifications meet Red Cross or comparable standards. Jonathan, who said he is affiliated with the Jasper Ray Foundation and the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, raised concerns about lesson costs and the city’s share of potential revenues.
Premier representatives explained their model: perpetual lessons priced at about $15 per lesson (billed monthly by frequency), scholarship slots available on request, and a staffing model Premier said would provide smaller student-to-instructor ratios than the city’s past program. Premier noted the $186,000 management fee largely covers lifeguard staffing and opening the facility year‑round — a risk in year one because the pool has not been operated 12 months previously.
Council members pressed staff for full cost accounting (utilities, heating, and maintenance), how the RFP evaluated safety and experience, and whether the contract preserves affordable access for Orange residents. Staff said the contract was a one‑year pilot; the city would seek a $60,000 appropriation to begin operations in the current fiscal year and budget the remainder for fiscal 2026–27.
The motion to approve the contract passed 5–2 with Council Members Barrios and Gyllenhammer voting no. Council members requested follow-up reporting on pricing, scholarship availability, and a first‑year financial audit of revenues and costs.
Ending: Council approved the contract and directed staff to return with a detailed cost breakdown and monitoring terms; the contract is for one year with renewal options.
