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Worthington Pools
2019 Annual Report
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The aquatic complex operated and maintained by Swiminc, Inc. (a local nonprofit) continues to thrive – as it has done year in and year out since the first outdoor pool, bathhouse, and concession stand opened in 1954. More than 5,000 residents of Worthington and the surrounding school district were able to enjoy our facilities last summer, the majority thanks to family memberships purchased by their households. And the indoor natatorium, which was constructed almost 50 years ago, is used heavily year round – by swimmers, divers, and water polo players from the two community high schools; more than 500 young athletes on teams sponsored by the Worthington Swim Club and the WAVE program; adult lap swimmers; and Head Start children who receive instruction free of charge.
Thanks to the skill and dedication of Swiminc’s maintenance staff, the indoor and outdoor pools are functioning well, even though they are much older than their expected lifespans. However, existing facilities will not last forever. So Swiminc, which is committed to maintaining the aquatic complex as a center of community life, has been preparing for reinvestment. A grant of one million dollars arranged by former state representative Michael Duffy was received in 2016. Two years later, an experienced local firm, OHM Advisors, was contracted to identify modernization options. After surveying the public and consulting with key stakeholders, OHM submitted its report in 2019.
Even though the details of what to reconstruct and when must still be worked out, financing arrangements have emerged as a pivotal issue. Since Swiminc’s creation more than 65 years ago, user fees and sales of bonds to local households have covered practically all construction and other capital expenses – 91 percent, when an appropriate correction is made for inflation. The other 9 percent has been paid by private donors, the City of Worthington, and Worthington Schools. However, self-financing by Swiminc of future improvements would be a major challenge.
The challenge stems more than anything else from the dimensions of the necessary reinvestment. Consider the original capital expenditure. Building one outdoor pool and a modest concession area and bathhouse cost $126,000 in 1954. In today’s dollars, which are worth much less because of 66 years of inflation, that expenditure is equivalent to $978,000. However, a single outdoor pool and accompanying facilities could not be built at that price today. Construction standards have improved and so have pumping systems and other machinery. Furthermore, computerized systems used nowadays to safeguard water quality and protect swimmers’ health were unimaginable during the 1950s. All these advances cost money, thereby causing capital expenses to multiply.
Swiminc is now engaged in the exploration of new financing arrangements with the City of Worthington and Worthington Schools. What form those arrangements will take is yet to be determined, as of early 2020. Regardless, we are confident that the ultimate outcome of discussions with municipal and school officials will be to provide future generations in Worthington with the same opportunities for aquatic recreation and fitness that previous generations have prized.
Swiminc, Inc. Financials
For over 65 years Worthington Pools has been operated by Swiminc Inc, a community-driven non-profit organization. Over the years the generosity of the Worthington community has sustained our operation and allowed the facility to expand and meet the needs of a growing community. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to further our mission as we plan to modernize and expand this valuable asset of Worthington.
Member Feedback
Members were invited to give feedback on the summer through an online survey at the end of the season. We received 227 responses.
We received comments that the lap swimming pool was often too hot for lap swimming but we also received comments that we should buy heaters for the cold pool water.
The pool water temperature is actually very consistent at 82 degrees. All of the pools are heated by gas fired heaters. Your personal comfort is a factor of several variables.
The difference between the air and water temperature is the single most contributing factor to your comfort. On a cold morning the pool water will seem wonderfully inviting, however when the air temperature matches or exceeds the pool water temperature you will chill in the water.
You would think adjusting the pool water temperature each day relative to the ambient air temperature would be the answer, but heating thousands of gallons of water in a short period of time is not possible and once heated, the pool water cannot be cooled.
Great idea. This summer our concessionaire studied some buying trends of our members. When healthy choices were offered, they were popular. On at least two occasions all items sold out within just hours of their offering.
Most healthy food choices have a short shelf life. To prevent loss, controlling inventory relative to weather and pool attendance is a critical component to success. They have promised to continue their efforts.
While our rates are quite comparable to area private facilities, when compared to area public community swimming pools our rates are indeed higher.
While our facility is on school district property, the pools are owned and operated by SwimInc, Inc. a not-for-profit organization that receives no public funds; unlike area public swimming pools.
Remodeling these facilities is a very high priority for our renovation project. During this off-season the shower stalls have been painted; you will notice a big improvement in their appearance.
We are exploring ways to better use our staff in support of daily cleaning. We promise to do a better job this summer.
We would, if we had a lifeguarding staff.
In recent years, summer pools have been shortening their swimming seasons. With college academic calendars moving from quarters to semesters and the school year beginning in mid-august, as opposed to late September, our summer lifeguard staff returns to school.
We are one of the only area outdoor pools that have remained open for our summer hours during the last two weeks of August. We are able to do so by restricting your pool choice on weekdays.
We love Worthington Pools and have been members since 2012. It’s been so much fun to see our kids grow and learn how to swim- both from swim lessons as babies and finally our first year with the WAVE swim team in 2019. One of my daughter’s favorite things was to learn how to become an official mermaid with the classes offered here. She adored her coach in WAVE and can’t wait for the next season. My son’s favorite part is learning how to jump into the deep end without being afraid! Building confidence and having fun is what our summers are made of at Worthington Pools.
Membership
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Households
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Individuals
Attendance
Daily Averages
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Members
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Member Guests
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Visitors
Summer Total
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Members
0
Member Guests
0
Visitors
Lessons
Swim Team
Events
Longtime Favorites and New
July 4th
This year our annual celebration included a new Glow Stick Party for over 350 children
Support Us
With purchases you already make.
Select Swiminc Inc. (id: 30267) and a donation will be made every time you check out with your Kroger Plus Card.
Sponsors and Partners:
Worthington Pools
400 W Dublin Granville Rd
Worthington OH 43085
614-885-1619
Worthington Pools is operated by Swiminc Inc. a local non-profit 501(c)(3). View Privacy Policy. Swiminc Inc © 2019