Status of Salem's Public Pools

Olinger and Walker Pool Operations

The City of Salem and Salem-Keizer School District have provided aquatics programs at Olinger Pool since the 1930's and at Walker Pool since 1968. These pools are owned by the Salem-Keizer School District and made available to the City for its programs.

The City's general fund pays for services such as Police, Fire, recreation, aquatics, parks, planning, Library, and a share of the City's central administrative costs. Due to the declining economy, revenue decreases, and operating cost increases, the City had to cut approximately $5 million from its general fund budget in Fiscal Years 2007/2008 and 2008/2009. Financial forecasts indicate general fund costs will need to be reduced further for the 2009/2010 budget year which begins July 1, 2009.

At present, the City has funding to provide aquatics programs through the current fiscal year, which ends on June 30, 2009. However, as currently structured, the program and operation costs minus program revenue and school program reimbursements result in the City having to use other general fund revenues to cover an approximate $325,000 loss each year. The City is meeting with the School District to explore various options for preserving aquatics programs at Walker and Olinger Pools. These options include reducing costs, exploring additional revenue sources, and transitioning the aquatics programs to other community partners such as the YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club.

As noted above, the Aquatics Program is funded through June 30, 2009. The coming fall schedule is consistent with last year's program, with only one change: the elimination of the weeknight open recreational swim from 7:15 to 8:30. This has been eliminated based on consistently low participant attendance over the years.

The City of Salem website contains information about this effort. Citizens wishing to share their thoughts or who have questions may contact Jon Preis or Ed Jochums with the City of Salem at 503-588-6261.