Batavia pool to shorten hours

Don't think about taking an evening dip at Batavia's Quarry Beach this summer.

The Batavia Park District is eliminating evening hours at the pool, officials announced Wednesday.

"We're just not at capacity" in the evening, said spokesman Kari Miller.

The pool will open earlier. however, with hours now set at 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

And officials are reversing last year's rule change that required patrons to consume their own food in picnic areas near the parking lots.

Opponents of a park district plan to Quarry Beach and build a fitness center there cited that rule as one of the reasons for declining pool attendance.

Voters in November overwhelmingly rejected a request to borrow $36 million for the proposed renovations.

"(The rule) has come up often in our community forums, so we just decided to listen to the people," said Andrea Hatzinger, the district's facilities supervisor. The concession stand will be closed, but more vending machine options added.

A "Welcome Back" season pass promotion will run from March 30 to April 9 for patrons who purchased season passes in 2008. They can get passes for $38 for youth, $48 for adults or $15 for seniors.

After April 9 passes will cost $50 for youth, $60 for adults and $20 for seniors.

Daily admission rates will remain the same: $7 for residents and $10 for nonresidents.