The city took a significant step forward in addressing issues facing the Palm Springs Swim Center (PSSC) Monday evening following continued pleas from community members.
Looking back: For months, a group of swim center users – calling themselves PSSC Watchdogs — have expressed concerns about frequent unexpected closures, staffing issues, and maintenance issues, turning to the Parks and Recreation Commission to plead their case.
- In February, the group filed a report with the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health, pointing out “unsanitary and unsafe conditions” at the pool’s bathrooms.
Driving the news: On Monday, group members again appeared before the Commission to voice concerns and were met with welcome news. Commissioners voted to form an ad hoc committee and work with the community to get feedback on the swim center.
- In addition, City Manager Scott Stiles announced the formation of a working group that will hold its first meeting on April 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the Palm Springs Pavilion.
- Mayor Pro Tem Jeffrey Bernstein and Councilmember Ron deHarte also sat in on Monday night’s meeting to let the community know they are available and willing to listen to concerns and find solutions for issues at the swim center.
What they’re saying: “We are very excited about the new city manager’s initiative,” said Jeff Nelson of the PSSC Watchdogs. “We feel that there will be many members of the public that are more than willing to engage in a constructive and thoughtful manner to help restore the swim center to something that everybody in the community can be proud of.”
Zoom in: Parks and Recreation Director Yvonne Wise was also present at the meeting, informing informed commissioners that her department had an additional lifeguard start over the weekend and that three other lifeguard vacancies are close to being filled.
- Wise said a new aquatic manager position is also being created in hopes any lifeguards hired will be incentivized to stay and grow their careers in the city.
But wait: Wise also announced that changes to the lane reservation system at the pool would also be coming.
- Starting Monday, April 3, the city will reduce the number of lanes available to reserve from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Eight lanes will be open to reserve, and eight will be available on a drop-in basis.
