Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Aquatics Pool topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Piedmont names Paula Cooper Tipton new aquatics supervisor as pool nears completion
Summary
Paula Cooper Tipton was introduced as Piedmont’s new recreation supervisor for aquatics; staff said construction is advancing and the department is planning staffing, safety and pass‑fee decisions before a likely initial season of about three months.
Paula Cooper Tipton was introduced to the commission as Piedmont’s new recreation supervisor for aquatics, Shelley said, after a competitive hiring process that drew roughly 40 candidates. Shelley told the commission Paula began Aug. 12 and will oversee operations and programming for the new community pool currently under construction.
“Since I’ve been the only aquatic staff person since March 2020, I can tell you that now that we are in September 2024, I have never been so happy to see someone who knows all about pools,” Shelley said. Paula, who spoke about her background running year‑round pools in Richmond and work for YMCA East Bay, said she is “excited to help make it happen.”
Staff described steady construction progress: the competition pool’s concrete and lane tiling are installed though the shell has not been plastered and utility connections (water, PG&E) remain to be completed. On operations, Shelley and Paula said staffing and training are among the largest tasks ahead: Shelley estimated the program will likely require about 75 part‑time staffers plus instructors and support roles. “We probably be doing some surveys on classes and programs that people wanna see in the pool,” Shelley said, and staff are developing fee models, nonresident differentials and a pool pass structure.
Paula emphasized safety and community outreach, noting prior programs she ran that served people with deep water fear and describing work with the fire department on emergency plans. Staff said next hires will include a recreation coordinator for aquatics and a facility maintenance technician; officials also outlined plans for lifeguard recruitment and certifications, noting training logistics will be challenging without an operational pool on site.
No opening date was finalized. Paula said the initial season is expected to be about three months while staff narrow fees and training plans; the commission agreed to stay involved in outreach and recruitment as the department finalizes an operational timeline.
