Pool party rates to increase

Pool party rates to increase Brian Smith Tue, 04/02/2024 - 2:15 pm   Place 1 Alderman Libby Gonzales, right, and Place 2 Alderman Brandon Sisson listen to a presentation on pool party rates during the city council meeting Monday, March 25. Photo/Brian Smith Jacksboro officials will be raising fees on private party reservations at the swimming pool. Aldermen approved the measure during the Monday, March 25 meeting. City Manager Mike Smith said after surveying a number of towns in the area, Jacksboro was found to be below average on their prices. Smith said the new rates will go from $150 to $175 for the base rate with the $50 deposit to secure the date going toward the rate. Prices will also go up $25 per 50 people. The pool will be available for parties from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Parks and Recreation Director Will Mangum said he normally has between four and five lifeguards on staff during a party at a cost from $9.13 and $9.50 an hour. “The parties usually pay for themselves,” Smith said. Mangum said the parties averaged around 160 people last year. He said there were just three open dates for parties last summer with dates filling up fast. “We usually start taking reservations in April,” Mangum said. “By the end of April we’re usually half booked or more.” Smith said there were issues with a late start due to a chlorinator break and storms delaying the opening which concerned Mayor Craig Fenter. “People have been saying it was closed more than it was open last summer,” Fenter said. Beginning June 1, Mangum said the pool will be open one more day a week. The pool, located in Sewell Park, will be open from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday- Thursday and Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Fridays.