Founders Pool entry fees will increase

The Dripping Springs City Council approved an increase of entry fees to the Founders Memorial Park Pool and Pavilion for the first time in over 12 years, at their Jan. 21 meeting. Essentially, the rate increases by one dollar for residents, and two dollars for non-residents. No one from the public addressed the DS City Council at the open City Hall hearing.  

A week earlier, at their Jan. 14 meeting, a lengthy discussion took place by city council members, when newly hired Parks & Community Services Director Kelly Schmidt introduced the matter of doubling pool entry fees, along with reorganizing staff personnel, hours, and updated salaries.

During the discussion, certain council members preferred to subsidize pool salaries rather than raise the entry fees. There was concern over keeping the community pool affordable, when new housing developments are including residential pools in their subdivisions. There was also talk about the number of pool hours available to the public, and how to encourage more adult supervision.

Finally Council Member Wade King asked, “What about a small one dollar increase?” 

Mayor Todd Purcell then told Schmidt, “ I want a budget report at our next [Jan 21] meeting to see a year of data on the demographics, and then the council can figure out how to budget for the right amount.” The motion was carried.

Schmidt prepared a report with three different options for pool fee increases, which was presented at the Jan 21 meeting. The council approved the low increase option, and voted to establish a new fee structure of Resident and Non-Resident, and some new pass categories to better assist in tracking age demographic usage of the Founders Pool amenity.

New Approved Structure and Rates for Founders Memorial Park Pool & Pavilion: 

Resident (& ETJ)

Non-Res & Not-for-profit

Daily Entry -  (3 & younger)

Free

Free

Daily Entry - Child  (4yrs - 11yrs)

$3 

$5 

Daily Entry - Tween/Teen (12yrs - 17yrs)

$4 

$6 

Daily Entry - Adult (18yrs - 59yrs)

$4 

$6 

Daily Entry - Adult Senior  (60yrs+)

$3 

$5 

Summer Splash Pass - Child (4yrs -11yrs)

$45 

$50 

Summer Splash Pass - Tween/Teen  (12 yrs. - 17yrs)

$50 

$55 

Summer Splash Pass - Adult

$80 

$85 

Summer Splash Pass - Adult Senior  (60yrs+)

$45 

$50 

Family Summer Splash Pass  - 4 or less

(in same household)

$125 

$130 

Family Summer Splash Pass - 5 or more  (in same household)

$150 

$155

Kelly Schmidt joined the City Staff as Parks  & Community Services Director this past October 2019, when she replaced Mariana Espinoza.

She previously served the City as Recreation & Open Space Director in 2007-08.

Schmidt was most recently the Parks Director for the City of Wimberley. Before then, she was the Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Director for the City of Bee Cave. She has over 25 years of experience in the field and has had the opportunity to be a leader for public, private and non-profit organizations across the country and internationally. Schmidt is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional and holds a Master’s of Science degree in Recreation and Leisure Services Administration and Management from Texas State University. 

“Things are going great,” Schmidt said. “I feel like I’ve come home in a way. It’s exciting to see what has become of the Harrison property acquisition and the great work that Mariana accomplished in her almost 2yrs with the City. The Parks and Community Services team will soon be located out at the Dripping Springs Ranch Park Ranch House. We’re looking forward to having a hub from which we can launch some great programs, initiatives, and community events. We will be offering a Summer day camp, Aquatics Programs, Tween Scene & Red Cross Classes– Our day camp is called Coyote Kids and registration will begin on-line in March!”

The new Founders Pool passes will be available to purchase by the public on the City Website and through the recreation software system by the end of February. The 2020 Swim Season begins Memorial Day weekend.