Price going up for some to swim, ice skate and more in Bethlehem

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Most Bethlehem residents will pay about $1 more a day or $5 more annually to take a dunk in the city’s pools in 2024.

Those 62 and older who live in the city are in luck; the cost will stay $5 per day and $60 for an annual pass to use the pools — though 62-plus non-residents will have to pay $85 to swim for the year, which is up $5 from the previous amount.

Ice skating also will generally cost about $1 more daily and about $10 more for those who live in Bethlehem to have annual access to the ice.

Yearly passes used to be $60 for youth and seniors and $70 for adults.

But not all recreation costs are rising.

Here’s a city memo with a detailed list of the variations starting on Page 2, covering swimming; ice-skating; using city tennis courts and soccer fields; pavilion rentals; and special event fees.

City officials say adjusting the rates is something that has historically occurred every four to five years to cover a general increase in related labor and material costs.

Pool of support

Bethlehem City Council discussed the price hike on Feb. 20, with most of the conversation revolving around the city’s regional and neighborhood pools and rising operation expenses.

The motion passed 5-1, with Councilman Bryan Callahan dissenting and Councilwoman Rachel Leon absent.

“The increases are what they are; we need to pay our lifeguards a reasonable sum and everything costs more,” Councilwoman Hillary Kwiatek said.

“These amenities should be for anybody in the city, and I think we can find a way to perhaps create some kind of program for accessibility for low-income families.”

Callahan was the lone “no” vote.

“The administration just had a tax increase and raised water and sewer rates,” Callahan said.

“Apparently we’re supposed to be in the ‘best financial position of all time’ and raising rates on the people that can least afford it to get them out and active and participating in the pools and our playgrounds … I’ll be voting against it.”

Councilwoman Colleen Laird, who’s the newest chair of the council’s Parks and Recreation Committee, said, “I really think it’s an environmental justice issue, where the residents who are most in need of the service of jumping in a pool when it’s 100 degrees are the people who are least likely going to be able to afford" a fee increase.

“In the spirit of getting the pools open and also recognizing the equity issues involved with paying our staff, I will support it but I will be looking to call a Parks and Rec committee meeting to explore options that we can hopefully get off the ground quickly.”

Councilwoman Grace Crampsie Smith, who also is Finance Committee chairwoman, suggested potentially raising the non-resident rate to use the various amenities to offset the costs for residents.

A 'necessary amenity'

City Business Administrator Eric Evans said the direct costs of the city’s pools have them operating at a loss, with last year’s revenue totaling $267,000 while lifeguard, cashier and swimming lesson costs ran $261,000 before expenses.

And labor shortages at one point had the city only opening three of its pools.

“Our goal is to keep all five pools open,” Evans said during the Feb. 20 Finance Committee meeting, emphasizing the administration’s view of public pools as a “necessary amenity.”

“But the increase in these rates to help keep up with the rate of expenses and the growth of expenses we’ve seen across the board have also increased significantly, and that’s out of our hands.”

He said lifeguard recruitment efforts have begun, and there’s preliminary interest for some from past seasons to return to work at the $13 per hour wage.

That’s a rise of $1 from the previous city rate and is on the lower end compared with some other area municipal pools, including Allentown and Fountain Hill both offering $5 more an hour, Evans said.

Season fast approaching

Bethlehem's five pools are among the most of area municipalities.

Those include Memorial Pool at 259 Illick’s Mill Road, Clearview Pool at 2246 Pinehurst Road, Stark Pool at 2410 Siegfried St., Westside Pool at 244 13th Ave. and Yosko Pool at 617 Atlantic St. The city has one free-to-use splash park just south of Yosko Pool.

Swimming season will begin June 8, with passes for sale starting April 1 for residents and April 8 for others.