Macon-Bibb commissioners say opening pools every day could be a challenge

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – This time next year, pools in Macon could possibly be open every day during the week instead of the current schedule. 

“I don’t think anybody can question, and there’s no argument that will stand, that we don’t need to improve in the area of recreation,” District 3 Commissioner Elaine Lucas said. 

She said her constituents want to be in the pool more often. 

As of right now, five pools in the county in the county rotate their open days three times a week, and Lucas said that’s not enough. 

“Providing something for our young people to do. We say we want them to be productive citizens,” Lucas said. 

She brought the issue to the Macon-Bibb commission committee Tuesday morning. 

Commissioners didn’t necessarily disagree, but after meeting with department heads, they say it’ll cost more money to get it done. 

Macon-Bibb Parks and Recreation Director Doc Dougherty says funding more pool hours could cost around $20,000 more than the $100,000 set aside for staffing and maintenance. 

He added the low swimmer turnout didn’t back up the cost increase.

So commissioners came up with another alternative.

They want to see what will happen if the East Macon Community Center Pool was open every day. 

Officials think because of the pool’s slide, it’s the most popular pool in the county. 

“We’re looking at the bigger picture and trying to get ahead of the game and say wait a minute, let’s have tomorrow, what we have today at a reduced cost,” Dougherty said. 

He added even though the pools may not be open every single day, programs still go on at community centers around the county. 

Dougherty is looking to get the East Macon pool open every day for a two week period as soon as possible.