Chambersburg residents won't pay more to swim next year

CHAMBERSBURG - There won't be an increase in rates for Chambersburg residents using the new aquatic center scheduled to open next year. 

Borough Council on Monday voted 8-1 for a new few schedule that won't raise the rates for residents next year, although it increases rates for non-residents. 

Other changes approved at the council meeting include free admission for children under age 3, and installment payment plans for season memberships. Discounts also will be available for senior citizens, active military members, those who purchase passes early and families receiving public assistance, as well as for special events, holidays, twilight swims, the concession stand and birthday parties. 

The aquatic center, which is scheduled to open by Memorial Day 2018, will be paid for through a $9.75 million recreation bond that the council approved last year. The new facility is expected to cost about $7.4 million. 

The annual costs of the bond will be paid for by a recreation bond tax of 3 mils, which is set to begin in 2018, Borough Manager Jeff Stonehill said, but the operation of the pool and the associated costs are paid for through the user fees. 

The borough staff is now preparing to sell memberships with the goal of having everything ready for the holiday season, according to Stonehill.  

A suggestion was also made to have a soft opening where certain groups, such as senior citizens or first responders, could visit the facility before the grand opening. The council liked this idea, because it would give the staff the chance to test the facility operations ahead of the opening. 

During the meeting, council also approved the name for the new pool which will be used for advertising and marketing purposes. 

By an 8-1 vote, the council approved the name "Chambersburg Aquatic Center and Water Park," Stonehill said. 

For more information on the approved fee proposal, visit http://www.chambersburgpa.gov.