March 28, 2024

Maytag Pool fixes in the works

The Newton Park Board heard an update Wednesday about work underway at Maytag Pool. Newton Parks Operations Superintendent Nick Cummins listed off several items that have been completed along with future projects for next spring.

“It is a lot of behind the scene stuff that won’t be visible,” Cummins said.

Included in that is the replacement of valves for the water slides, which will provide water flow regulations along with various pipes as a part of proactive maintenance. The pool is also receiving electrical upgrades to get it up to code.

On the exterior of the pool, the staircases leading down to the pool will be evaluated and potentially replaced depending on their condition. Also, landscaping has been completed at various flower beds where pieces had been falling apart.

An area on the west side of the pool that was previously fenced off has been opened up and will no longer be available for rent due to low usage. It is now a green space available for anybody to use. The pavilion has also been spruced up, getting sanded and sealed up along with a new paint job.

Several changes will be made to the concession stand beside general upkeep including fresh paint.

“We use the same distributor at the golf course as the pool. We’re going to try to use Brad’s skill set with the pool staff including daily checklists,” Cummins said. “A lot of little things to make it easier and more efficient.”

They are also working to make it more user-friendly by replacing an ice cream machine with a cooler and packaged ice cream and bottled pop instead of fountain pop.

A problem with wasps gathering close to swimmers will be addressed by hiring an exterminator next season, Cummins said.

Additional items include sealing cracks in the concrete, replacing the final two umbrellas and replacing and potentially purchasing more deck chairs.

“This is good that we are being proactive on things,” board member Amanda Price said.

The board also heard potential changes to the park fee schedule for 2018. Nothing major was proposed by community services manager Brian Laube.

On the list was a possible increase to the Aurora Park shelter rental fees and changing the rental fees for the softball and soccer fields to a block of time versus the current per team fee. At the pool, Laube hopes to continue the 10 percent off sale for season pass prior to spring break and the same discount at Westwood Golf Course for season passes in January and February.

“I do know members do the like the January, February discount,” board member Marc Jackson said.

In other business:

• In preparation for an upcoming goal session for the city, the board discussed goals and visions for the parks to bring to city council. Laube plans to put a list of ideas together for the board to vote on as a primary list to bring to city council.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com