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Alpine adopts new pool schedule and flat admission after debate; seniors get discounted monthly pass
Summary
Following data showing a 2025 operating loss, council approved a pilot pool plan with a flat $4 per-visit admission, a $30 monthly senior pass and a $250 pool‑party fee with evening party hours, and extended public swim hours to improve access for working families.
Alpine — After more than an hour of presentations and debate, the City Council approved changes to the Alpine Municipal Pool’s 2026 fee and operating plan designed to expand access and curb a 2025 operating deficit.
Recreation Coordinator Kim Maro reviewed last year’s numbers and told council the pool operated at a roughly $20,000 deficit in 2025 because low daily admissions and deeply discounted season passes failed to cover payroll and operating costs. "At the end of the day, we're serving the people," Maro said; she proposed a flat admission and longer hours to increase attendance among working families.
Council considered multiple options and ultimately amended the staff proposal. The council adopted a pilot plan that sets a flat $4 admission for all visitors per visit (no student/adult split), offers a senior monthly pass at $30 (about $1/day), sets pool‑party fees at $250 with evening party hours (7–9 p.m.) that do not cut into normal public swim hours, and extends public swim hours into the evening to improve after‑work access. Lap swim and water aerobics sessions will continue with modest participation fees under the same flat model.
Council members said they wanted a model that is fair and easy to administer, that reduces overtime by aligning lifeguard staffing with actual bather loads, and that creates a small operating surplus to fund maintenance and modest program expansion. Mayor Katherine Eaves and all council members voted to adopt the amended fee schedule and directed staff to treat the program as a pilot for the 2026 season.
What’s next: staff will implement the schedule, confirm lifeguard staffing and certification, and return attendance and revenue reports so council can evaluate outcomes before making a permanent policy change.
