Waynesboro takes toll on average family

Barbara B. Stratton and Angela Earhart Waynesboro
Published: June 17, 2008

If you think that you would like to spend family time this summer at Waynesboro’s War Memorial Pool, think again! The cost for a family season pass is $120 up front! Period. One-hundred-twenty dollars!
That fee, to the average Waynesboro family, is absolutely unreasonable and unaffordable, we believe. How many families can guarantee themselves that they will be able to take advantage of unlimited time at the pool? It would be wonderful to take the family to the pool if the weather is good and schedules permit, however, if plans change the family has lost $120 to the city of Waynesboro.
Checking with the city of Staunton, we learned that a family can purchase a 20-visit pass for $30 at Montgomery Hall Park or $50 at Gypsy Hill Park. Thank you, Staunton, for caring about your residents. You’ve offered a reasonable, affordable option for family fun. If the family uses the pool 20 times, they’ve spent an affordable amount of money and have the option to purchase another 20-visit pass. Once again, Waynesboro residents have no options.
Waynesboro, why are you attempting to rob your residents of good, clean, family time together? Which officials feel that this fee is reasonable? What alternatives do families have in Waynesboro during the hot summer months? It’s certainly not an evening at the theater, as we have none.
We welcome an explanation from someone who can justify the cost of $120 for who knows how many visits to the city pool. Waynesboro, you are being unreasonable and unrealistic during this time of a shaky economy and taking a toll on the average family who would like to share family time together. Wake up, Waynesboro, and offer your residents a reason to be thankful for living here.