Spokane swim fees being considered

The Spokane Park Board is seeking public comment on a new fee structure for the city’s outdoor summer pools, which are being replaced this year under a 2007 bond issue approved by voters. The second of two public meetings is set for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. today in Council Chambers at City Hall to take comment on a proposal now before the Park Board. It would charge fees to children for a portion of each swimming day, but preserve free swim sessions for kids at each of the six new pools being built under the bond issue. The proposal calls for charging fees to all users from noon to 2 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays and then opening the pools to free swimming for kids from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Hours would be slightly different on Saturdays and Sundays, but would include a mix of hours for free and paid swimming. Total hours of swimming would increase overall from 31 to 44, but the number of free swimming hours each week would decline from 31 to 20 hours under the proposal. The amount of any potential fees for children was not specified in a proposal released by City Hall. Spokane voters in 2007 approved $42.9 million bond issue for six pools, smaller spray features and other park improvements. Of the total funding, $28.8 million is being spent on pools. Construction has been under way since pools closed last summer with a goal of reopening in time for the summer season this year.