Hot, dry weather is reported affecting Iowa corn crop numbers negatively. But it sure boosts some numbers too, including attendance at the Tama-Toledo Family Aquatic Center.
April Farley, the new Aquatic Center manager, says weather has resulted in pool operations being curtailed for the total of only one hour as of June 11 since opening day on June 2. Patrons had numbered 2,010 over the first nine days of operation with a tops of 338 swimmers on hand on Monday, June 4, Farley reports.
She has been joined this year by Marlys Upah who is the assistant manager and in charge of concessions. Last year, Farley held the concessions job while Jeff Barker was pool manager.
Article Photos
New Tama-Toledo Aquatic Center manager April Farley (right) and assistant manager Marlys Upah are shown Monday at the pool. They have had a busy start after the June 2 opening of the pool for the season.
News-Herald/
John Speer
Barker, who retired a year ago from a South Tama teaching career, recently moved to his home area of Dundee, Iowa.
Between them they oversee 40 employees. There are 25 lifeguards and 15 concession workers.
"I enjoy doing this, I think it's fun," Farley said. "We have a great group of guards and a great group for concessions."
Farley has been a teacher associate at the South Tama Elementary for two years and was a teacher associate at STC High for one and one-half years prior to that.
In addition to overseeing staff, Farley is in charge of the Aquatic Center finance records.
Upah has worked in the guidance office at South Tama High School for four years. in addition to also overseeing staff, Upah is in charge of ordering and maintaining the food and beverage operations.
She said some healthier alternatives including apple juice have been added to the menu this year. Pizza, snacks and other beverages are also offered.
The biggest seller to youngsters is freezer pops, Upah says.
Farley and Upah work together on some of the water testing operations.
Luke Squiers and Ray Rozdevink, who are both certified pool operators, provide their services to the Aquatic Center technical operations.
Hours are early swim- 6:30-7:45 a.m.; open hours 1-8 p.m. with family time 5-6 p.m. Pool parties can be scheduled from 8-10 p.m.
Family passes, 10-day punch cards and regular daily admission are all available. Cost is $4 for one use and it is $3 after 5 p.m.
Farley and Upah said change this year is the allowance of the use of some small pool toys. Still banned however are large toys and "noodles."