It was a very successful 72-day swim season at the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District’s Lions Club Pool.
Jennah Carlson, recreation supervisor, told parks commissioners at the Oct. 3 meeting that more than 15,000 people enjoyed the pool at 1041 Ridge Road in Homewood.
The sale of seasonal pool passes dropped to 1,401 memberships from 1,517 memberships in 2022, but Carlson reported daily attendance sales passes were up. Her numbers show 5,705 daily fee-paying patrons – 4,180 from Homewood and Flossmoor and 1,525 non-residents. The daily fee generated $64,860 for a 16% increase in revenue over 2022.
Several activities that haven’t been offered since the pool was closed for the pandemic were brought back, Carlson said. Pool parties were well received. The pool now has LED lighting. That change allowed for night pool parties. Pool parties also were offered weekdays and weekends, and a private pool rental was available on weekend evenings.
Two special events drew crowds. Carlson said the Member Appreciation Night had 70 guests who enjoyed a DJ, raffle, games and free treats. The Teen Mixer featuring a DJ, prizes and concession stand treats had 80 in attendance and will be offered in the 2024 swim season.
Swim lessons were very popular, and the staff did its best to accommodate everyone by adding extra sessions, Carlson said. Still, there was a waiting list for swim lessons. Despite not all swim classes being filled, not all on the waiting list could adjust their schedules to take an open slot.
Carlson reported the park district program added 23 additional swim lesson sessions. In addition, staff was able to accommodate 22 unscheduled private lessons, and there was lots of interest in adult group lessons. She said another adult session was offered, but the interest was high and there was a wait list. Swim lessons generated $54,327 compared with the previous high of $29,987 in 2019.
The park district now has a way to track what level of lesson a swimmer completed at Lions, so they can move up to the next lesson at the H-F Racquet & Fitness Club in the off season.
Unfortunately, during the season the pump on the baby pool went out and a replacement wasn’t available, so that area of Lions Pool was shut down. A new pump was recently purchased for $7,000.
Carlson pointed out maintenance work that needs to happen at the pool, such as painting the guard office, repairing fencing and fixing cracks in the pools. Parks Executive Director Doug Boehm said park district staff will be tackling many of the items on the list before the next swim season opens Saturday, June 1, 2024.
Park commissioners thanked Carlson for her outstanding efforts this pool season, adding they appreciated her attentiveness to details that made for a great experience for the swimmers at Lions Pool.