The city of Charlottesville is looking to privatize operations at its two outdoor, seasonal pools.
In a request for proposals issued last week, the city announced it is looking for a private business to take over operations of the Onesty Family Aquatic Center on Meade Avenue in the Woolen Mills neighborhood and Washington Park Pool off Preston Avenue in Rose Hill. Both operate only during the summer swimming season from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Both of those pools, as well as the indoor Smith Aquatic and Fitness Center on Cherry Avenue in Fifeville, have faced lifeguard shortages since the pandemic. Smith is not included in the city’s request for proposals.
The city and surrounding Albemarle County have had to reduce operating hours for some public pools and lakeside beaches off and on since the pandemic ended.
The county announced at the beginning of the summer swimming season this year that it had a fully staffed lifeguard crew to monitor its public beaches, however Charlottesville seems to still have still struggled despite returning its pools to normal operating hours.
An outside company was brought on to run Onesty temporarily last year, and the city may approach that firm with taking over Onesty and Washington Park on a more permanent basis.
“The Contractor will be in charge of staffing all lifeguards, full-time, and seasonal employees,” according to the city’s request for proposals. “This shall include the creation and management of employee schedules and coverage.”
Whether the cost of admission to the pools will also change under the new operator is also uncertain. Currently, a day pass to either Onesty or Washington Park costs $4 for Charlottesville adult residents and $2 for children. The cost doubles for nonresidents.
Source: www.dailyprogress.com
Be First to Comment