June 18, 2024 |
Photo – Saratoga outdoor swimming pool – Bigfoot99 file photo
The town of Saratoga opens its outdoor swimming pool while it advertises an opening for a new recreation director.
During the May 21st Saratoga town council meeting, Recreation Director Kim Hemenway tendered her resignation. Hemenway said the job wasn’t what she expected.
Hemenway’s last day was June 14th.
At the June 4th Saratoga town council meeting, Hemenway provided the governing body with a flow chart showing the recreation director’s duties.
In her workflow chart, Hemenway broke down the recreation director duties into nine different categories, including handling gym memberships, managing staff, applying for grants, and overseeing various recreation programs.
Mayor Chuck Davis asked where on the flow chart Hemenway placed the duties of running the town’s outdoor swimming pool. The rec director said she included the pool with all the other programs she manages. Councilwoman Kathy Beck said the demands of operating the pool necessitates that it be placed in its own category.
Mayor Davis asked Hemenway about the status of the swimming pool. The rec director said the pool will be ready to open once the chemicals are dialed in. Hemingway said she will attempt to keep the swimming facility open as much as possible with the limited number of staff available.
Saratoga’s outdoor pool opened on June 12th. A schedule posted to the town’s Facebook page shows that the pool is open from noon to 6:00pm every day except for Fridays, when it closes at 3:00pm. The pool is also set to be closed on Thursdays.
Beginning yesterday, lap swimming will be offered from 9:30 to 11:00am until next Wednesday, June 26th.
Daily rates for the pool are $5 for each person between the ages of 18 and 64. Children 5 through 17 are $3 apiece. Seniors over 65 and children under 4 are free.
With Hemingway gone, the town is advertising for a new recreation director. A public notice posted in the local newspaper asks for an energetic, flexible, and strategic thinker, who can plan well and juggle many responsibilities. The recreation director is described as being responsible for organizing, directing and executing recreational activities and programs in the town. The rec director also develops, plans, and implements programs and activities, such as music, sports, and cultural events. On top of those duties, the rec director is also responsible for utilizing the established recreation facilities to promote and improve the quality of life for the residents of Saratoga. The salary is listed at between $38,000 and $44,000.
For more information about the recreation director position, call the Saratoga town hall at 326-8335.
