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City unveils 'zero-tolerance' policy after Independence Day pool incidents
Summary
Parks & Recreation described a series of July 3 incidents at city pools involving verbal abuse, threats and references to a firearm; the mayor directed increased patrols and a citywide zero-tolerance behavior policy, with possible modest admission fees under review for 2027.
Councilor Spirolia read a statement from Parks & Recreation Director Brandon Lovett describing multiple serious incidents at Rome pool facilities over the Independence Day weekend and outlined immediate policy changes.
According to the statement read into the record by Councilor Spirolia, on July 3 at Tostee Pool "a confrontation began after staff prevented a child from entering the Deepwater area without completing the required swim test." The statement said the confrontation escalated into "verbal abuse, threats of violence, and reported references to a firearm," and that staff contacted the Rome Police Department, which responded within minutes. The reading said no one was physically injured but that the incidents were "extremely traumatic for our young employees."
Councilor Spirolia said Mayor Lanigan responded by directing "additional police presence at the pool" and instructing Parks & Recreation to implement a "zero tolerance behavior policy." The policy, as described to the council, allows the city to remove individuals who engage in "threatening, abusive, disruptive, or unsafe behavior" and to ban them from city pools, parks, programs and events for a minimum of one year; banned individuals would receive written notification and could be removed by police if found on city property.
The statement also noted the city will use the pool pass system to identify individuals involved in incidents and that future measures for the 2027 season could include a modest admission fee to improve accountability. "Our employees deserve to come to work without fear of intimidation or violence," the statement read, and the city "will continue taking every reasonable step necessary to protect both our staff and the public."
What happens next: The statement said the new policy is posted on the city's website and social channels; the mayor and departments will coordinate with the Rome Police Department on enforcement and further measures for 2027, including consideration of an admission fee.
