Township Board of Directors Votes to Increase Pool Fees

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- On Monday, August 5, the Board of Directors of The Woodlands Township decided to increase community pool usage fees in a seven-to-one vote. This vote comes after a special meeting was held on July 24 to address residents’ concerns that over-crowding at Rob Fleming Aquatic Center, located in the Village of Creekside Park, has led to unsanitary and unsafe conditions. Chief among residents’ concerns is the increased use of the center by non-residents attracted to the low cost of the facility relative to comparable local amenities.

Vice Chairman John McMullan raised concerns that the proposed amendments to Order No. 020-09, which would raise the cost of a day pass for non-residents to more than twice the fee for resident visitors, might pose legal troubles. It should be noted that the thirteen village pools in the Township that are funded in part by Texas Parks and Wildlife grants must adhere to grant stipulations, namely that they may not charge non-residents more than twice the cost for residents. Rob Fleming Aquatic Center is excluded from these requirements as it is jointly funded by the Township and Homeowners’ Associations and accepts no grant money. All fourteen facilities are considered Class B pools and as such must be open to the public at large.

The Board’s initial proposal would have included “surge pricing,” charging non-residents $30 to a resident’s $10 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. After discussion and a public hearing, the board adopted an amended Order that will instead raise day pass fees for residents to $10 on weekdays and $15 Friday through Sunday and for non-residents to $20 and $30, respectively. Fees for other community pools will remain at $6 for residents but will rise to $12 for non-residents. These changes will impact usage fees for the Center for the rest of the 2019 season. The Board will revisit other proposals, including further fee increases and the restriction of punch cards and season passes to residents, during its January budgeting process.