City of Harrison

The Parks Commission met for its monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 7, in the Administration Conference Room at City Hall.

The staff is planning to open the Splash Pad on Friday, April 10. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The restrooms are open 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The outdoor pool will be drained and cleaned at the end of April in preparation for opening for the summer season. For those using the outdoor pool, each swimmer must be registered in the “My Rec” system. There are some policy changes coming for the summer as to the age of a swimmer who can be “dropped off.” Children eight and under will need an adult in the water if they have not passed the swim test. If they have passed the test, the adult may be in the pool area but doesn’t need to swim. Cost will be $5.00 for everyone, swimmers and observers.

The commissioners reviewed the demographics of visitors to Creekside and the times they visit. After reviewing several options to reduce staffing costs, the commissioners decided to ask swimmers to exit the pool at 7:30 p.m. so they have time to shower and change clothes before the 8 p.m. Creekside closing time.

Aquatics Director Kyle Roberts said that one change would save $7,000 per year. The commissioners agreed that the safety of the guests is the staff's priority. Other schedule adjustments were discussed but not implemented. Eddington stated, “We are providing a service to our community, and excited that we have more than 5,000 members. We will continue to evaluate the numbers and concerns of our guests and pivot when needed.” Creekside Aquatics will host a swim meet this Saturday.

The Commissioners were told that the Creekside Budget performed well and stayed within budget for January and February. Even though staying within budget for all the Parks projects is important to the Commissioners, they know that isn’t always the case. Equipment breakdowns at the Burlsworth Youth Center can quickly change the numbers. Executive Director Chuck Eddington said his staff is reviewing the numbers to determine which pieces of equipment can be updated, replaced, or repaired.

“Both facilities are in better shape now than they’ve been since I’ve been here. Our maintenance staff has been doing a great job, and we are putting money back, and focusing on certain things every year. So we are in a good position. But replacing some older equipment at some point will be more efficient in the long run,” Eddington said.

Splash Pad, Aquatics, Outdoor Pool discussed

The Parks Commission met for its monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 7, in the Administration Conference Room at City Hall.

The staff is planning to open the Splash Pad on Friday, April 10. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The restrooms are open 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The outdoor pool will be drained and cleaned at the end of April in preparation for opening for the summer season. For those using the outdoor pool, each swimmer must be registered in the “My Rec” system. There are some policy changes coming for the summer as to the age of a swimmer who can be “dropped off.” Children eight and under will need an adult in the water if they have not passed the swim test. If they have passed the test, the adult may be in the pool area but doesn’t need to swim. Cost will be $5.00 for everyone, swimmers and observers.

The commissioners reviewed the demographics of visitors to Creekside and the times they visit. After reviewing several options to reduce staffing costs, the commissioners decided to ask swimmers to exit the pool at 7:30 p.m. so they have time to shower and change clothes before the 8 p.m. Creekside closing time.

Aquatics Director Kyle Roberts said that one change would save $7,000 per year. The commissioners agreed that the safety of the guests is the staff's priority. Other schedule adjustments were discussed but not implemented. Eddington stated, “We are providing a service to our community, and excited that we have more than 5,000 members. We will continue to evaluate the numbers and concerns of our guests and pivot when needed.” Creekside Aquatics will host a swim meet this Saturday.

The Commissioners were told that the Creekside Budget performed well and stayed within budget for January and February. Even though staying within budget for all the Parks projects is important to the Commissioners, they know that isn’t always the case. Equipment breakdowns at the Burlsworth Youth Center can quickly change the numbers. Executive Director Chuck Eddington said his staff is reviewing the numbers to determine which pieces of equipment can be updated, replaced, or repaired.

“Both facilities are in better shape now than they’ve been since I’ve been here. Our maintenance staff has been doing a great job, and we are putting money back, and focusing on certain things every year. So we are in a good position. But replacing some older equipment at some point will be more efficient in the long run,” Eddington said.