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Parents, coaches warn fee and schedule changes at new rec center threaten Tahoe Blue Fins program
Summary
Parents and coaches told council that practice times moved from 5–6:30 p.m. to 6:30–8:00 p.m. and long‑standing nonprofit discounts and complimentary lifeguard provisions were reduced, pushing costs up as much as 75% and risking enrollment in the Tahoe Blue Fins swim team.
Parents and coaches told the South Lake Tahoe City Council that schedule changes and a new master fee schedule for the city’s new multi‑generational recreation and aquatic center are squeezing the town’s only year‑round competitive swim program, the Tahoe Blue Fins. Multiple speakers said the full‑pool practice slot moved from 5:00–6:30 p.m. to 6:30–8:00 p.m., which they said is too late for many school‑age swimmers.
"This is a significant impact to both our children and the families that are supporting them," said Danielle Morris, a parent and team board member, describing evening end times that interfere with homework and bedtime. Astred Mullen, speaking for the team, said a change in the nonprofit discount and the removal of a complimentary lifeguard increased the team’s costs by an estimated 85% in her account, and various speakers said they had already seen members cancel.
Parents asked council to restore a historic 50% nonprofit discount for recurring, year‑round programs and to preserve one complimentary lifeguard in the pool rental rate for nonprofit youth programs. Staff said the fee schedule was adopted recently, based on a user‑fee study, and that parks staff would continue to evaluate feedback now that the facility is operating: "We are aware of the issue and plan to evaluate that and come back with any recommendations at a later date," the interim parks director reported.
What council did: Council continued the master fee schedule public hearing to the May 5 meeting to allow staff more time to evaluate public input. Parents said they will continue to press for a dedicated line item for community competitive swim teams recognizing year‑round nonprofit use.
Why it matters: Residents say the Blue Fins provide low‑cost youth aquatics and water‑safety training in a lake community where swimming competency is an essential safety skill. Coaches warned that lost practice hours plus higher fees could shrink the team’s enrollment and reduce opportunities for local youth.
