Grayslake discounts swim lessons, hoping to sell more season passes

Grayslake has hatched a new pricing plan for swimming lessons in an effort to stoke interest in season-pass commitments for the village's pool.

Under the new plan, those with season aquatic center memberships will receive discounts on a variety of swimming lessons for children next year.

For example, a member will pay $60 for swim school, $10 less than the charge for nonmembers. Semiprivate lessons now will be $120 for members and $130 for nonmembers.

The village board approved the pricing structure at a meeting this week. The Esper Petersen Foundation Family Aquatic Center is scheduled to reopen for business May 24.

Assistant Village Manager Matt Formica said it's hoped more spots will fill up for swimming lessons with the price breaks afforded to the aquatic center members.

Other incentives have been created to lure pool season-pass holders. They include membership cards that offer discounts at select Grayslake businesses and admission to special events.

Grayslake village government has contracted with a private company to operate the town's public swimming pool since 2004. Grayslake Park District employees had been in charge from 2000 to 2003, but village officials cited sagging revenue and rising expenses as reasons to bring in a private operator.