Pickerington pool bumps up age requirement for access passes

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (WCMH) — It has been nearly one month since the City of Pickerington changed their rules about who can buy a day pass at the community pool.

The rules state a person must be 21 or older to buy a day pass and must have proof of Pickerington residency or be accompanied by another season pass holder. If someone is 18 years old, they can vote, drive a car and even get an apartment. The one thing they can’t do is buy a day pass to swim at Pickerington Community Pool.

The change stems from reports of fighting and violence taking place at the pool.  Some residents, like Perry Johnson do not necessarily disagree with the idea.

“I think trying to keep the community a safe place to be is, is a good idea,” Johnson said.

The rules also state that children under the age of 11 must be accompanied by an adult. In this situation, an 18-year-old can be responsible for a child but not buy a ticket for the pool.

“I think there could be some room for interpretation,” Johnson said. “But I think the spirit of it’s good.”

This rule has been implemented before in previous years. All aimed at protecting everyone who just wants to come and swim.

“I think the pool and the staff, they’re very friendly and take care of us and provide a good atmosphere,” Johnson said.

NBC4 reached out to the mayor’s office, and the city’s parks and recreation department, to get their take on how this new rule is affecting pool attendance, and if they have had any other issues with unruly behavior since it went into place. None of the agencies responded as of Thursday night.

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