Mayor Barlow proposes free use of City Pool, Reduced Fee for Learn to Swim Program
City of Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow announced today his intention to eliminate the admittance charge to the City of Oswego owned and operated Charles E. Gallagher Public Swimming Pool. The City previously charged $1 for a youth day pass and $2 for an adult day pass. A season youth pass was $25 while a family season pass was $55. Mayor Barlow recommends eliminating those charges completely and wants to reduce the Learn to Swim Program charge from $20 per session to $10 to per session for City residents.
“Eliminating the charge to the City pool builds off the investment and enhancements we made to the pool last year to make the pool more enjoyable for everyone. Now I’d like to make the pool more accessible for families in our community. By eliminating the entry fee Oswego families can enjoy the pool more often. City residents pay for the pool through their property taxes and charging Oswego families again to use the pool is duplicative and unnecessary,” said Mayor Barlow. “Oswego families and young children look forward to enjoying the city pool and is often the highlight of summer. Families should be able to use the pool without worrying about the cost and I believe eliminating this charge will encourage more Oswego families to take advantage of the pool and encourage safe, outdoor family fun during the summer months,” Barlow continued.
Second Ward City Councilor Linda DeMassi said Oswego families, especially those in the second ward look forward to spending their summer at the Charles E. Gallagher Pool and eliminating these fees will be positive news for her constituents. “The Charles E. Gallagher Pool is always a busy place in the summer and after talking to many second ward families I know it is a place they look forward to visiting. By eliminating the entry fee for City residents, we make it much easier for our children and families to take advantage of the pool and I am sure it will allow even more Oswego families the ability to visit the pool regularly throughout the summer,” DeMassi said.
The opening date for the pool and sign ups for the Learn to Swim Program will be announced in June. The Charles E. Gallagher Swimming Pool is open from June to August and is located at 6 East 7th Street, Oswego
