Elkader Swimming Pool Opens June 1; improvements made

By Pam Reinig
Register Editor

Adam and Candace Fette’s three young children take private swimming lessons at the Elkader Municipal Pool. But that’s not the only time you’ll find them there. It’s one of the family’s favorite places to go to beat the summer heat—and they’re not alone. The pool has been the center of summer activities for several decades and with recent improvements, it will continue to serve the community well for several more years.
The Elkader Municipal Pool, which opens Friday, June 1 for the season, had an issue last year with a leaky pipe. That’s been fixed. In addition, another new guard chair, new pool heater and a new water fountain have been ordered and should be installed by opening day or shortly thereafter. A new freezer has been added to the concession stand, as well.
“The baby pool, which was closed on several occasions last year, has been repaired and will be opened this season,” added City Administrator Jennifer Cowsert.
All that adds up to a significant investment in an aging structure that annually operates at a loss of between $30,000 and $40,000.
But although it operates in the red, there’s no talk about closing the pool.
“Local governments provide services that private business can’t—or won’t—provide, and swimming pools fall into that category,” Cowsert said. “What we’re experiencing here is not unique: I think every community has the same experience. Pools remain open because they’re an important community amenity. They’re a good recreational outlet and place for family fun.”
Cowsert added that a community pool is one of the amenities people look for when relocating to another community.
    Again this season, the Elkader Municipal Pool will offer regular swim lessons July 16-27 at several different time slots.
“We have several instructors who are certified through the American Red Cross, and they are supplemented by lifeguards who are experienced but not certified,” Cowsert added. Private lessons, preschool swim classes and water aerobics are also available. The pool can be reserved for parties, as well.
“While birthday parties are popular we recently had someone book it for a baby shower,” Cowsert said, adding that cakes can be brought into the concession area.
It takes a large staff to keep the pool open. Kelly Erickson returns this year as manager. Her two assistant managers are recently Central graduate Mackenzie Vlazny and Kalie Jaster. New this year is the addition of a job coach to work with the team of 10 lifeguards and six front-desk concession area workers. Donna Anderson, a retired educator who was once a pool employee in Marion, IA, is taking on that role. Her goal is to help the staff “succeed and to make our pool a place people love to come to for summer fun and a great place to work.”
“I’m planning several employee workshops on topics such as work ethic; pride in your job; responsibility; developing a friendly, welcoming environment for customers and co-workers; enforcing all rules in a gentle but firm manner with follow through; treating co-workers and customers with kindness and respect, and so on,” Anderson said. “I’ll also be meeting with employees on an individual basis to discuss how things are going and address any concerns they may have. Finally I’ll be making observations, setting goals and making myself available for individuals as needed.”
Pool hours vary (see article below). Schedule updates are also posted on the front door. Information can also be found on the pool’s Facebook page.