North Side water park fees rising

Admission is going up at Spokane County’s North Side water park, but the increase will be given back at concession stands this summer.

County commissioners approved a plan Tuesday that will increase the price of admission for users 6 and older from $4 to $5 while throwing in a coupon good for $1 off on snacks and beverages purchased during the same visit.

The price increase is permanent, but the discount will be offered only this summer, according to Doug Chase, director of parks, recreation and golf.

No concession stand coupons will be offered to children 3 to 5, for whom admission will rise from $2 to $2.50. However, Chase said the charge for children younger than 3 will be eliminated to accommodate parents who bring infants and toddlers while watching their older children swim.

Except during swimming lessons, parents must pay even if all they do is sit on the deck.

In another price change, Chase said the cost of a 25-punch pass will go from $40 to $50. The pass is good for $62.50 worth of swimming at the new daily rates, but won’t include any concession stand coupons. An all-day swim requires one punch for children 3 to 5, two for anyone older than that.

Chase said the new rates are not expected to change for at least two years and will apply to the South Side water park that will open in summer 2008 at 61st Avenue and Freya Street. Until then, the rates will apply only to the North Side water park at 18120 N. Hatch Road.

Unlike the water parks, the conventional swimming pool at Holmberg Park, at 9615 N. Wall, will not have a rate increase.

Admission there will remain at $1 for persons 6 and older while those 5 and younger may swim free if accompanied by an adult.

After the city of Spokane Valley was formed, the county government has had no other swimming pools.