( KNZA )-Admission rates are going up at the Hiawatha Aquatic Park for the 2013 season, and opening and closing dates changing.

The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening approved an increase in the pool rates on a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Bill Collins casting the lone no vote.

The new admission prices will be $4 for adults 18 and over, $3 for ages 5 to 18, and $1 for children under 5.  Previously, the admission price was $3 for age 6 and over.  Ages 5 and under were admitted free with a paid admission.   In addition, the prices for season passes will increase $5 to $90 for a family of 4, $70 for a family of two and $55 for a single pass.  Splash cards will increase $5 to $35.

City Administrator Lynne Ladner recommended the rate increases.  Ladner said the pool rates haven’t been raised since 2009, but the cost to run the pool continues to go up.  

Ladner said they would like to make some upgrades to the pool this year besides replacing the diving board that was broken last year and fixing the pad on the frog slide.  She said they would like to develop an area within the current fenced area of the pool to create a small splash park area, which has been very popular in other communities.

Also on the recommendation of Ladner, Commissioners approved a change in the opening and closing dates for the pool.   The pool will open the first weekend after school ends or Memorial Day weekend, whichever is first.    The pool will close at the end of the day on the Sunday before school starts in August.    

Previously, the pool had stayed open through Labor Day.   Ladner said the change will save the city money and reduce staffing issues. There has been staffing issues the past several summers with many of the lifeguards returning to college in August or participating in high school sports practices.