HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - November 6, 2013 B-02AGENDA ITEM 16 " 2 -
CITY OF LODI
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
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AGENDA TITLE: Present Certificates of Appreciation to Blakely Park Pool Free Swim Donors
MEETING DATE: November 6, 2013
PREPARED BY: Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Mayor Nakanishi present certificates of appreciation to Blakely Park
Pool free swim donors.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The City provides public swimming between Memorial Day weekend
and Labor Day each year at the Blakely/Enze Aquatics Complex.
Attendance, however, had declined in recent years, with some days
drawing only a handful of swimmers despite a nominal entry fee.
Getting more public use from the pool was important to the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Department, but even a $1.50 fee appeared to be a barrier for many potential users, and the cost to
provide lifeguards for few swimmers was no longer economically feasible.
Instead of closing the pool, staff solicited donations to cover the cost of lifeguards and swim instruction in
order to provide free swimming throughout the summer. The result was 2,748 people - the vast majority
children -- enjoyed swimming in 2013 compared to 1,557 in 2012, and stable summer employment for
Lodi teens and young adults.
The Michael -David Family Foundation was our chief sponsor, providing free swimming for four weekends
and an additional donation for swimming safety instruction. Other donors include Omega Nu and Lodi
Health (two weekends each), Lodi Tokay Rotary Club, Lodi Lions, FCB Homes, Reynolds Ranch
Partners, Carol Marvel, Lodi City Swim Club, Lodi City Employees Association and the Woodbridge
Greens Area Residents.
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department is grateful for their support in providing safe
and healthy recreation to the Lodi community.
FISCAL IMPACT: Not applicable.
FUNDING AVAILABLE: Not applicable.
Bartlam, City Manager
I Services