Strawberry Point Pool Closing

The Strawberry Point City Council made a decision on Wednesday night to close the City Pool. In a statement, Strawberry Point Administrator Deno Andrews said the pool has been in decline in both usage, and in the number of people willing to work as lifeguards and managers. A survey from the public indicated that the most frequent comment received was that pool was not open when they wanted to use it. In his post, Andrews said that is understandable, at the same time, it was nearly impossible to have the pool open full-time because of staffing issues with only five lifeguards and one manager who was also a certified lifeguard. The City offered higher hourly wages for lifeguards this season but did not receive the interest needed for staffing. Andrews also cited that the pool is aging and also needs consistent work and in the near future the pool will require an estimated 100 to 150-thousand dollars in capital improvements.

Strawberry Point Statement Regarding the City Pool-

Last night the decision was made to close the City Pool. I wanted to offer the data and discussion points around this decision. First and foremost, this was not an easy decision to make because the pool has been a long-standing amenity in Strawberry Point, and many residents have fond memories of fun times at the pool.

The pool has seen a decline in both usage, and in the number of people willing to work as lifeguards and managers. Last season was an absolute struggle. We surveyed the public about the pool and the feedback we received was valuable. One of the most frequent comments we received was that the pool was not open when they wanted to use the amenity, which is understandable. At the same time, it was nearly impossible to have the pool open full time because of staffing issues. For instance, this is what it takes to open the pool full time:

Pool hours are from noon to 7pm daily. For the pool to be open, we need a minimum of two lifeguards at the pool, one lifeguard at the splashpad, and one manager who is also a certified lifeguard. All those hours add up to 28 labor hours per day, which is 196 labor hours weekly. To fulfill those labor hours, we need a minimum roster of 14 certified lifeguards. The reason we need 14 certified lifeguards is to account for several variables. Considering this is a seasonal job, several of the applicants also have other jobs. Other applicants do not want to (or are not able to) work on certain days, such as weekends. Vacation time also impacts staffing as several applicants travel with their families during the summer. Based on these variables, a minimum roster of 14 lifeguards is needed to open full time; 12 lifeguards are needed to open part time.

Last season, our roster was five lifeguards and one manager who was also a certified lifeguard. Given the low number, scheduling and consistency were impossible. Between lifeguards calling in sick, going on vacation, working another job, and not being able to work certain days, we were not able to be open consistently, which not surprisingly, was also our biggest feedback complaint.

Looking ahead to this next season, the City Council approved higher hourly wages for lifeguards. Position openings were promoted on Facebook, the city website, at Starmont, in the Press Journal, Manchester Press, Eastern Iowa Shopper, flyers at City Hall and in the windows of several businesses. The positions were promoted for at least eight weeks. Despite the higher hourly wages and aggressive promotion, we received eight applications for lifeguard. Of the eight, one could only work very part-time due to another full-time job; one had travel obligations with family and would not be able to commit to a steady schedule; and one will not be of legal age to serve as a lifeguard until roughly 1/3 of the season has passed.

There is also the cost to consider. The pool is aging and needs consistent work. Under normal conditions, the pool costs roughly $90k-$100k to operate. In the coming year or two, the pool will require an additional $100k-150k in capital improvements, including painting, water heaters and other equipment, and upgrades to the bathhouse. Income from passes, admissions, and concessions account for roughly 20% of the total cost to operate, not including any capital improvements.

In conclusion, the City Pool has been a part of the community for generations. However, times change- Pool usage is down. Staffing has become nearly impossible. And the costs to run and maintain the pool continue to rise. We are all really sad about the situation.

Deno Andrews

City Administrator