Des Moines Sun

DES MOINES, IOWA –  Get ready for fun in the sun and beat the heat at any of the 28 aquatic destinations the city has to offer. Des Moines residents will be able to enjoy all the city pools and aquatic centers this summer, thanks to having a fully staffed aquatics team. In previous years, some locations have had rotating closures or adjusted hours because of staffing shortages.

“We needed applicants, and they came in - thanks to everyone who helped spread the word. It was clear that the community wanted these positions filled, and we’re proud to have the staff to keep our facilities open this year,” Parks and Recreation Director Ben Page said. 

City staff credits an increase in hourly pay for seasonal workers and a more intense recruiting effort starting in December with helping them find enough staff to operate the city’s aquatic facilities and summer camp locations this summer. They’ve even hired enough staff to give employees more flexibility in scheduling and time off this summer.Opening Dates:

• Spraygrounds – OPEN
• Pools, Aquatic Centers & Splash Pools – June 3
• Wading Pools – June 5
• Memorial Day – Nahas Family Aquatic Center & Splash Pools open May 27- 29

By the Numbers:

• 100% required positions are completely staffed
• Pool cleaning positions fully staffed since 2019
• 151 lifeguards being trained, 2022 operated with 97 lifeguards
• Summer Camp increased to 5 locations and staff has over doubled in 2023 to 30, up from 14 in 2022

One aquatic related closure to note is that the Ashworth Pool will not open as previously scheduled on June 3 due to unforeseen maintenance work and weather-related delays. Ashworth Pool is scheduled to open June 9, pending any further weather delays.

For more information on Aquatics, visit DSM.city/Aquatics or call (515) 237-1386

Original source can be found here.