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Kids & Family

Community Park Pool Gets Facelift, Fee Hike

Complex will open Memorial Day Weekend- early-bird season passes now available.

 

Princeton's new Community Park Pool will bring with it new amenities, perks and increased fees.

The price increases for 2012 seasonal pool passes range between 7 percent and 20 percent above 2011 prices, money that will go to help offset the new pool complex, which includes a $6.37 million Murtha stainless steel pool, a much larger wading pool, bay area, a 14-foot slide and a diving well.

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“The fee increases are relatively modest when considering the increased amenities and attractions, as well as comparing the cost of memberships to pools in neighboring towns,” said Evan Moorhead, assistant director of the Princeton Recreation Department.

For example, a Princeton resident early-bird season pass costs $160 this year, a $15 increase over last year. And a Princeton family early-bird membership costs $275, a $37 increase over last year.

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The pool is expected to reopen Memorial Day weekend. 

“I think [patrons] expect to have the same beautiful pool that they’ve come to expect but with more modern facilities and new amenities,” Moorhead said. “There is still plenty of green space for people to lounge around, with a few added attractions. We think that were going to have a great experience with the pool customers, and hopefully attract some new customers.”

Early-bird discount registrations are available for Princeton families, Princeton adults and non-resident families until April 16. Those same groups and others may also purchase season passes after that date.

New pool amenities include an 18-inch detached wading pool more than twice the size of the old one-- and it's shaped like a fish, Moorehead said.

A bay area will have slightly deeper water and serve as an easy progression for a growing child or those who prefer a more shallow area, said Princeton Recreation Department Executive Director Ben Stentz.

Both the wading pool and the bay offer a "beach entry," so swimmers will not have to jump into the pool or use stairs. This could help young children, seniors and those with physical limitations.

"It allows little kids or anyone to walk from zero water into water," Stentz said. "It allows for a natural progression and is less intimidating."

Last year Princeton officials opted to purchase and install the Murtha pool which costs $1.5 million more than the concrete pool originally recommended by the Princeton Recreation Board. Despite the increased cost, the Murtha pool is expected to incur fewer maintenance costs long-term. 

Those interested in a Community Park Pool but have a financial hardship should contact the Princeton Recreation Department.

“We have a wonderful financial aid program for anyone who needs assistance, all they have to do is come see us and we’ll made sure they can use the pool as well as the other things we offer,” Stentz said.

“We try to do right by people, that’s our motto.”

To purchase a 2012 Community Park Pool pass online, click here. To purchase a pool pass in person, visit the Recreation Department office at 380 Witherspoon Street. 

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