YMCA Director Terry Gribble was on hand during City Council's Oct. 23 meeting to report on 2018 operations of the Heise Park Pool and Splash Park. Attendance for both facilities decreased this year.

The pool was open 435 hours, compared to 444 hours in 2017. This was partially due to the pool closing time being changed from 7:30 to 7:00, as there was low attendance for the final 30 minutes in past years. Poor weather in June also reflected in low sales for season passes. 

2018 income for the pool was $27,680, compared to $28,388 in 2017. The city’s reimbursement to the YMCA for operating costs was $14,514.

The Splash Park was open 538 hours and admitted 15,533 people, compared to 477 hours and 16,400 people in 2017. However, Gribble reported the facility was a popular spot for birthday parties and people from other communities raved about it. Reimbursement to the YMCA for staffing the facility was $6,994.

Gribble recommended charging a small fee at the Splash Park to help recoup some of the operating cost. 

Mayor Tom O’Leary indicated the issue has been discussed in committee meetings, but no support from council to impose a fee had been voiced. He also has concerns with the logistics of handling and securing cash on site.

Gribble thanked city officials for partnering with the YMCA, and for the cooperation from city employees to maintain both facilities.