WATERVILLE — Those who patronize the outdoor, city-owned pool on North Street will see an increase in user fees this summer, the first increase since 2021.

Overhead costs and staffing at the pool complex have increased significantly over the last five years which has driven the increase, according to Waterville’s parks and recreation director, Matt Skehan.

“We’re just trying to be as fiscally responsible as we can,” Skehan told city councilors June 3 before they voted 6-0 to approve the new fee schedule.

The Harold Alfond Municipal Pool is owned and maintained by the city, and the nearby Alfond Youth & Community Center manages and operates it.

The pool is scheduled to open June 21 and close Aug. 23, with open swim from 12:30-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and lap swim 11 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. Lessons are available through the Alfond Center, located at 126 North St. The phone number is 873-0684.

Pool user fees vary for resident and nonresident children, adults, seniors and families.

With the new fees, day passes for children will increase from $10 to $12; adult day passes, from $13 to $15; and seniors 65 and older, from $5 to $7.

Season passes for Waterville residents will increase from $70 to $80 for children. Passes for children from Waterville who receive subsidies will increase from $30 to $40. Season passes for adult residents will increase from $80 to $90 and those who get subsidies will increase from $40 to $50. Nonresident season passes will increase from $80 to $100. Season passes for senior residents, 65 and older, will increase from $40 to $50 and those receiving a subsidy will pay $10, whereas in the past they paid nothing. Season passes for families of up to four who live in Waterville will increase from $170 to $190 and those receiving subsidies will see an increase from $90 to $110. Nonresident family passes will increase from $170 to $220. Each additional resident or nonresident will pay $20.

Skehan said the increases, which he described as nominal, would net between $25,000 and $35,000 a year, and that money would be split between the city and Alfond Center, so it is helpful to both.

The pool gets 25,000 annual visits, and 40% are from nonresidents, he said. The average total annual spending is just over $300,000, so it is an asset to the city and local economy, according to Skehan.

“It’s a wonderful facility that we have renovated over the last few years,” he said.

He characterized the Alfond Center as a great partner, saying officials there are professionals and pool professionals and do a great job making the complex safe.

No one is denied access to the pool based solely on cost, and the Alfond Center provides financial assistance through its affordable access programs to which those seeking help must apply.

The Alfond Center and city in 2022 signed a memorandum agreement that outlines shared responsibility at the outdoor pool.

“On a hot summer day, I don’t think there’s a busier place in Waterville than North Street,” Skehan said.