HomeMy WebLinkAbout8.2 Dublin Swim Ctr Season Update 19� ��• ,82
AGENDA STATEMENT
PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
MEETING DATE: April 20, 2009
SUBJECT: Dublin Swim Center Season Update
Report Prepared by Rich Jochner, Recreation Supervisor
ATTACHMENTS: None
RECOMMENDATION: Receive report
FINANCIAL STATEMENT: None
DESCRIPTION: The Parks and Community Services Department operates the Dublin
Swim Center located adjacent to Dublin High School on Village Parkway. The facility is operational
from February through September of each year. The facility features two pools. The main pool features a
free form shallow area with a 100' long waterslide; an eight lane 25 yard long competitive swimming
area; and a deep end with diving board. The second pool is a free form wading pool for children five and
under. The pools, locker rooms and showers are all heated.
There are a variety of aquatic classes and programs offered at the Dublin Swim Center including:
• Recreational Swimming
• Swimming&Diving Lessons for All Ages (private, semi-private and group instruction available)
• Competitive Swimming Teams and Clinics
• Fitness Programs including Lap Swimming, Water Walking and Aerobics
• Water Safety Certification Classes
• Junior Lifeguard Volunteer Program
• Camps and Special Events
• Picnic Area and Private Facility Rentals
The facility is also used by Dublin High School for the swim team and physical education classes.
Following is a summary of some changes that have been made to continually best meet customer needs at
the Swim Center.
The Learn to Swim program, which is based on the American Red Cross Water Safety Instruction
Program, has been expanded to include lessons on Saturday mornings and Sunday evenings. This helps
accomplish one of the goals identified in the Parks and Community Services Strategic Plan. The 2008
Department needs assessment showed there was a need to expand programming during these times. The
COPIES TO:
ITEM NO.: 8.2
GAPARKS COMMISSION\AGNDSTMT\2009\4-20 Item 8.2 Swim Center Update.doc
Learn to Swim program has also been expanded to include a Spring Break session and an additional
session during the fall.
In the past the length of the typical swim lesson sessions were four days per week for two weeks, for a
total of eight lessons. In order to provide more flexible participation options, now customers can register
for either two or four days per week depending on their individual needs and schedules.
In addition to providing flexible participation options the Parks and Community Services Strategic Plan
identifies the need to provide more full-day camp programs. Staff has strategically scheduled several
sports camps at the High School and Stager Community Gym in the mornings that can be conveniently
combined with an afternoon swim camp to make it a full day camp experience. Campers play a
designated sport in the morning and then are walked to the Swim Center for an afternoon of water and
land games, learning basic water safety skills and free swimming under the supervision of certified
Lifeguards and Swim Instructors. These camps have proven to be popular as they provide a full day
experience. Typically about 65% of the participants in the morning camp also register for the afternoon
camp.
In addition to these "sport and swim combination camps" the Department has created a Camp Connector
that will also connect other morning camps with an afternoon at the Swim Center, Fun in the Sun or Total
Rec Live. Recreation Leaders will supervise participants for an hour between camps, allowing time to eat
lunch and then walk to the next camp location. The service is free and is being used as a strategy to
increase registration for camps.
The City's Green Gator Swim Team is preparing for another successful season. Last year the team
enjoyed its finest year ever finishing with a league record of five wins and two losses. The coaching staff
is well respected by the swimmers and parents, and will be back for another season. As a result the 140
available spots for this year's team filled quickly. Staff has made adjustments to the practice schedule this
year to allow the older age group swimmers to have longer practices all while reducing the coach to
swimmer ratio. An added evening practice will better accommodate working parents and summer school
students.
In an effort to increase revenue, the Snack Bar menu is being revamped with a colorful menu board and
more uniform pricing. The ice cream selections, which are the most popular sellers, will also be expanded.
Staff will continue to use a variety of tactics to promote the programs at the Swim Center. A free day of
swimming was offered on April 19 in conjunction with the annual Family Sports Fest. Staff will utilize
this event to expand awareness of the Swim Center programs. Promotional materials are being developed
that will be distributed through the schools and via targeted a-mails and direct-mail campaigns. Banners
will be hung on the fence along Village Parkway when registration for summer lessons begins. Staff has
also contacted a large number of day care groups in the area to encourage them to attend Recreational
Swimming, or to bring their groups to the Swim Center for lessons.
The City will continue its rigorous training program for the water safety staff at the Swim Center.
Lifeguards and Swim Instructors receive 25 hours of pre-service training prior to the season. Then there
is an average of two hours per week of in-service training once the season begins. During this time the
Lifeguards receive training on operational and emergency procedures, as well as review of technical
rescue and emergency response skills. This level of training exceeds State requirements and helps best
prepare the staff to be effective professional first responders in an emergency.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Parks and Community Services
Commission receive the report.
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