Durham offers possible fee relief as swim teams warn of closures

SoDu We Stay Well: South Durham Family Health Guide

Need a pediatrician, urgent care, dentist, or mental health support? Start with this searchable guide to family health resources in South Durham and nearby communities.

Southpoint AccessWes Platt

Durham Parks and Recreation will consider fee reductions for swim organizations facing sharply higher pool rental costs, but its interim director hasn’t promised a discount or a change to the rates scheduled to take effect Jan. 1.

In a Nov. 10 letter to the teams, interim Director Joy Guy acknowledged that the increases could threaten programs serving children and adults. She encouraged organizations to apply for relief through DPR’s Facility and Field Fee Waiver Policy.

“We understand the financial impact these changes may have on organizations that regularly utilize DPR facilities, and we certainly do not want to see these valuable opportunities discontinued,” Guy wrote.

But she said the department must balance affordability and accessibility with the long-term financial sustainability of its facilities and services.

The response followed appeals to Durham’s Recreation Advisory Commission from representatives of swim programs that rent city pool space. Their message: Higher rental revenue won’t materialize if the teams paying those bills can’t stay open.