Committee seeks attendance data and low-cost events to boost pool use

The Niskayuna Parks Committee agreed to track pool attendance and membership data and brainstormed low-cost programming to increase usage.

Members said the town should collect sign-in logs or weekly attendance summaries to determine how many users are residents versus non-residents and to measure overall use; one member volunteered to contact pool staff and request that information. The committee noted the pool opens this weekend and flagged the need for timely data to assess whether current operations justify expanded programming.

Why it matters: Pool operations carry fixed costs; understanding who uses the facility and how often will help the town target promotions and justify programming choices. Members suggested movie nights, late-night swims with a DJ, swim lessons and water aerobics to attract families and cross-generational users.

Discussion details: Participants cited previous successful promotions that drew large crowds when events were actively marketed. The committee also discussed coordinating training with the JCC for lifeguard and counselor certification, and using counselors-in-training sessions to slot town staff or volunteers for training. No formal directive was adopted beyond the data-request commitment.

Next steps: A committee member will contact pool staff to request attendance logs or membership records on a weekly basis; the committee will use that data to evaluate and plan promotional activities before summer's peak weeks.