As Athens City Pool gears up for another season by hiring new employees, its managers report recent improvements as well as plans for the future.
The pool, which is slated to open on Memorial Day weekend and close at the start of the Athens City School District school year, first opened its doors in 1972.
Rich Campitelli, Athens’ recreation director, said pool steps, a slide, a climbing wall and deck furniture have recently been added. In addition, management has made improvements to the locker rooms and restrooms.
The pool is open to the public, and Campitelli said that people of “all types and ages enjoy the facility.”
While daily admission is available, a season pass may be the more economical route for patrons who wish to visit the pool frequently throughout the summer. Prices vary among households, youths, seniors and adults, with a higher price for those who do not live in Athens.
The Splash Pass Punch Card costs $30, is good for ten visits and can be shared with friends and family.
Many opt to spend the summer lounging by the pool, while others obtain seasonal employment there.
Human Resource Director Claudia Reagan says she expects to receive between 10 and 20 applications for the six available positions for the summer of 2012. Three of these are for lifeguards and three for pool cashiers.
“The City of Athens tries to bring back as many employees from the previous summer in these positions as possible. It helps the city to save money on training,” Reagan said.
Campitelli said that the pool management regularly provides orientation, training and in-service opportunities to its staff.
Workers must be at least 18 years old and lifeguards must have certain certifications. For this reason, the starting hourly pay for a lifeguard is $8, slightly higher than the minimum wage that pool cashiers receive.
All employee wages are taken from the Recreation Department budget.
Although recreation employees may work up to 40 hours per week, most average between 25 and 35, Reagan said.
The retention rate for pool employees is relatively even, with most returning to work for a second or third summer.
Employees who decide to remain on staff may see changes in the pool soon.
“The Athens Arts, Parks and Recreation Department is in the beginning stages of building a comprehensive plan. The aging pool is one of our many objectives to focus on,” Campitelli said.
For now, patrons and employees alike look forward to the open swims, swim lessons, group pool parties and even the end-of-the-year dog swim at the pool.
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