SCRANTON -- The price to swim at one of Scranton's public pools has long been a source of debate in the city.
This week, city officials decided to make Nay Aug Park's pool free for children this summer. But the mayor is worried that free swimming at Nay Aug will come at too high a cost.
There's a lot of work to be done at the Nay Aug Park pool before summer hits. It's one of Scranton's four operating city pools, but the only one that charges admission.
It's the neighborhood pool for parents at Prescott Elementary in Scranton's Hill Section. They say the $5 price per person adds up.
"It does. It does, but sometimes we get the free pass and we have the whole summer for free," said David Lee of Scranton.
"It went up. When we first got here, it was reasonable. Then it went up and then we stopped going," added Annie Lefler.
Nay Aug is the city's most impressive pool complex. It's expensive to maintain. That's why city officials say they charge admission. And as far as anyone can remember, they always have.
"When I was a child, I think I paid 50 cents," said Scranton Mayor Bill Courtright.
Mayor Courtright told Newswatch 16 the Municipal Recreation Authority that oversees Nay Aug Park approved free swimming passes this season for children who live in the city, but the mayor wonders if that's sustainable.
"I`m just hoping that we`re not able to offer the children free swimming this year and when next year rolls around, is there going to be any money? That`s something I need to ask the authority," Mayor Courtright said.
Courtright thinks that between now and when the pool opens this summer, the Municipal Recreation Authority should come up with some limitations for the free swimming. The mayor had some ideas, such as setting an age limit or requiring children to be accompanied by an adult.
The authority has some time to figure out the details. Scranton city pools typically open the same week in June that the school year ends.
Parents at Prescott think, with free admission, their summer plans may change.
"I have a niece I take care of during the day. She`s going to be four years old. So, it`s definitely a nice option, something I plan on doing. Whereas before, we didn`t go, so I`m anxious to try it out. I think it will be fun," said Brenda McGuire of Scranton.
