WAUSAU, WI (WSAU-WAOW) — The first of Wausau’s free swimming Sundays took place at Kaiser Pool this weekend.
The event brought out some residents who hadn’t been to the facility in years, and officials hope that leads to some repeat visits and added revenue for the season.
Resident Cally Blom told WAOW TV that she hasn’t been to the pool in nearly ten years, and she thinks the freebies are a good idea because “There’s a lot of people who cannot afford to come to the pool.”
All three Wausau public pools combine to bring in around $500 on a typical Sunday. City officials are looking into securing title sponsors for future free swimming Sundays.
Aquatics Director Nichole Saal says hopes the higher numbers mean more future visits or other revenue. “Bringing in a lot more money at the concession stands and keeping us busy all summer long.”
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The idea came from resident Philip Salamone, who argues that not charging admission to the pools and instead setting out a donation box could bring in more revenue. He would also like to see the city secure sponsorships or pursue grant funding to make the facilities free during the summer, ideas that he may go after on his own if the city doesn’t.
Future free swimming dates at other Wausau public swimming pools include:
Kaiser Pool: Jul. 8th, and 29th. Aug. 17thMemorial Pool: Jul. 15th. Aug. 5th and 10thSchulenburg Pool: Jul. 22nd. Aug. 10th
Additionally, all pools will have free admission on July 11th.
