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Parks & Rec defends shift to midseason pool memberships, reports 176 sold so far
Summary
Parks & Rec staff told commissioners July 8 the township moved from daily pool passes to midseason memberships to save money for most users, ease gate-day administration and reduce nonresident access; staff reported selling 176 midseason memberships to date.
Parks and Recreation staff defended the township’s decision to replace daily pool passes with midseason memberships at the Cheltenham Township public affairs meeting on July 8.
Mister Salvatore, speaking for Parks & Rec, said the change was driven by usage data and operational concerns. “More than 50% of daily pass members were spending more money than they needed to,” he said, and added that several seniors had been paying daily rates instead of the lower senior rate. He also said the department had sold 176 midseason memberships before the midpoint of the season.
Salvatore told commissioners the policy aims to protect staff and manage capacity on hot days, noting that daily-pass lines have in the past created situations requiring police assistance. He said staff and township leadership (including the township manager and department staff) reviewed the policy and will reevaluate it each year. “It’s not anything that we need to set in stone,” he said.
A commissioner praised staff for responding to community concerns with data and outreach; Salvatore said staff remain available to speak with residents and recommended that any resident with concerns contact Parks & Rec for help.
Why it matters: The switch changes how frequent and occasional pool users pay and may affect household costs, pool capacity and gate operations during peak days. Township leaders framed the change as a consumer-protection and staff-safety measure rather than a revenue increase.
What’s next: Parks & Rec said the membership approach will be reviewed annually and staff will continue to monitor capacity, nonresident access and community feedback.
