EDITORIAL: Churches, businesses, nonprofit save summer months for local kiddos by sponsoring free pool days in Duncan
Jun. 26—Controversy has surrounded the Duncan Municipal Pool recently after this summer's admission prices were raised. Prices went up, of course, because supplies and what it takes to run the pool saw increases as well.
This year, prices went from $3 per person per day to $5 per person per day or $3 per person after 4 p.m. until close.
The admission increase, according to City of Duncan, came as operating costs increased. In 2022, costs to run the city pool ran $37,881.86 for lifeguards and management, $7,601.77 for pool repair and maintenance, $39,358.15 for chemicals and $37,550.09 for utilities. That's a total of $122,391.87 to operate the pool, however generated revenue from admissions last summer only totaled $9,497.01. That's a $112,894.86 expense for the City of Duncan.
Still, the raise in admission prices brought commentary from most of the Duncan public. The Banner staff received a letter to the editor, a concerned member of the community spoke at a Duncan City Council meeting about it, and many other people took to social media to raise complaints.
To help with concerns, City of Duncan first announced season passes at a cost of $65 per child age three to 17 or $75 per adult. When asked by the concerned citizen about sponsorships during the last regularly scheduled Duncan council meeting, acting city manager Kenzie Wheeler alluded to something coming down the line to help with the costs.
Then, some of the greatest news that could come out, did.
One by one, churches, businesses and a nonprofit from around the community began announcing they would sponsor one day each week so children could enjoy the swimming pool at no cost, providing a healthy summer activity for area youth and a price break for parents.
Mondays will be sponsored by Connection Church. Tuesdays are sponsored by New Hope Baptist Church. Wednesday will be sponsored by the Farmers Insurance Yolanda DeCarlo Agency, Don Jose Mexican Food and Bonnie's Hope. Thursdays are sponsored by Impact580.Church. Fridays are sponsored by Freedom Biker Church. And Saturdays will be sponsored by Bethel Church.
Free swim days kicked off June 24, with six days sponsored and swim hours lasting from 1-6 p.m. each day. The Banner staff couldn't help but notice Duncan Municipal Pool was busier than we've ever seen when we drove by on Saturday afternoon as free swim days started. This fills our hearts to no end.
We've said it before and we will say it again: this community cares. When there is a need, there's always someone, somewhere, who is willing to step up to the plate to provide.
That's simply "The Duncan Way."
Whatever the issue is, DunCAN will find a way. It's what makes our hometown ours. It's something special to brag about. — This editorial was written by The Duncan Banner editorial board.
Pool Day Sponsors
Monday: Connection Church
Tuesday: New Hope Baptist Church
Wednesday: Farmers Insurance Yolanda DeCarlo Agency, Don Jose Mexican Food and Bonnie's Hope
Thursday: Impact580.Church
Friday: Freedom Biker Church
Saturday: Bethel Church
