Parks director: pools open this weekend but department short about 14 lifeguards; downtown activation and paid-parking trial underway

The parks director told the Green Bay Parks Committee on June 10 that summer operations are underway: pools are scheduled to open this weekend (one on Saturday and two on Sunday), and the department is managing a roughly 14-person lifeguard shortfall while training sessions attempt to certify replacements.

"We still are short lifeguards. So if you know anybody, ask them to apply. I think we're short about 14 lifeguards from our goal between all three pools," the director said. Staff said a lifeguard training session is underway this week with the hope that some trainees will obtain their licenses; an additional training is planned in one to two weeks. Officials said the department can operate all three pools but may need to adjust daily amenities and rotate services if shortages continue.

Staff also reported expanded community programming: the pilot Groove in the Green concert series grew from five dates last year to eight this summer. The department is launching "Rack on Deck," a new activation series for City Deck intended to bring families downtown with partner organizations offering workshops, performances and resource information. Staff listed partners including the YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Girl Scouts and said a dynamic schedule with a QR code will be posted this Friday to show weekly activities.

On downtown paid parking, staff said early weeks emphasized signage rather than ticketing to allow users to adjust; signage has been improved and the parking division will deliver an initial revenue and ticketing report in about one to two weeks. The director closed by noting items approved by the committee will go before City Council for final approval on June 16.

The transcript did not provide the director's personal name; the department is identified throughout as the parks department. Staff asked the public to apply for lifeguard positions immediately and indicated follow-up reports on staffing and parking revenue would be provided to the committee.