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Resident says lap-swim access denied over goggles; parks staff cites prior glass incident and updates policy
Summary
A Davenport resident appealed a lap-swim denial for wearing goggles and requested records after staff said glass had been found in a pool last year; interim parks director Becca Niles said lap-swim goggles are now permitted and staff will follow up on missing lane markers.
A Davenport resident told the Parks Advisory Board he was denied access to lap swimming because he was wearing goggles and asked the city for incident records and policy clarity.
"My name is Duncan Brookke," he said during public comment, and described being turned away on the first day of pool season because staff said goggles were prohibited for lap swimming. He disputed the city’s description of the risk, saying competitive swimmers do not use glass goggles and requested the incident reports he had sought from city staff.
Becca Niles, interim parks director, responded that staff had located an incident last year at the Annie Wittener pool in which glass was found and the facility required a three-day closure for a full drain and cleanup. Niles said the department reviewed its goggle policy and, "effective yesterday" adjusted the rule to allow the smaller goggles used for lap swimming while continuing to restrict larger glass-style masks during public swim. She also said staff is exploring an approved-goggle checkout program and will permit goggles for the 18-and-over lap swim area.
Niles acknowledged an equipment issue raised by the resident about lane markers: board members were told two rings were missing this season, preventing rope installation, and staff agreed to investigate and replace missing parts so lanes can be set safely.
Why it matters: The exchange clarified the parks department’s safety rationale — a prior glass contamination prompted stricter rules — and resulted in a near-immediate policy change restoring lap-swim goggles for typical adult lap swimming while retaining protections during public swim sessions. The board requested follow-up details on lane markers and records the resident sought.
What’s next: Staff said it would provide the requested incident documentation and check missing lane marker parts; board members asked to receive CIP and equipment follow-ups by email.
"We did have one incident last year where we had to close the Annie Wittener pool for three days," Niles said, adding the department is "exploring" a safe-goggle checkout option.
