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Kasson City introduces pool manager, board discusses attendance, staffing and safety
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Summary
Kasson City Park Board introduced David Baller as the new pool manager and discussed ideas to boost attendance (sponsor nights, food trucks, twilight discounts), staffing plans and operational checks, including an inspection by the pool's original builder and a scheduled lifeguard certification.
David Baller, the new pool manager for Kasson City, was formally introduced to the Park Board and outlined his swim coaching and lifeguarding background. Board members welcomed him and said they want him to start gradually this season and bring forward ideas to improve attendance and programming.
The board front‑loaded practical ideas aimed at increasing daily use and revenue: discounted twilight hours, sponsor nights where local employers or businesses cover admission for employees, food‑truck family nights and exclusive weekend party rentals. Baller said he has coached and lifeguarded in several Minnesota communities and will observe operations this season before implementing major changes. "I swam in high school and college... I lifeguard and taught swim lessons at a handful" Baller said, summarizing his experience.
Park board members emphasized support for the manager while cautioning about community reactions to selective closures or special events. The board noted the daily admission rate is $7 per person and that event rentals are priced at $3,300 for two hours (up to 25 entrants) with additional attendees charged per person. Members suggested targeting youth‑sport tournament schedules or school events as opportunities to drive pool traffic.
On operations, staff reported unresolved questions about boiler operation and system flow; the board asked Newman Pools, the original installer, to perform a technical inspection once the facility is open so vendors can read system flows and confirm settings. The board also noted the tots slide suffered a nonstructural displacement during winter storms but was repaired without major concrete work.
Accessibility and safety topics came up when a parent requested permission for a child with hearing impairment to use a flotation device outside "tot time." Board members said life jackets are accepted during designated tot hours but not during general open swim; they agreed to survey other municipal pools and consult legal/staff about liability and operational accommodations before changing rules. Lifeguard certification was scheduled for Memorial Day weekend to ensure staff are trained in time for the season.
The Park Board asked staff and the new manager to gather feedback from other pools, track staffing needs, and return with any recommended policy changes or pilot events. The board did not adopt new fees or permanent policy changes at the meeting.
