
Community members in Fargo, N.D., were shocked when the local public pool announced a $300 hike in the price of an annual pass.
According to Valley News Live, a family season pass for the Fargo Parks District cost $183.50 in 2023 and was raised to $193 in 2024. This year, it will cost $500 ā a whopping $307 increase.
Local resident Jessica Nelson, who brings her children to the pool on a regular basis, said she was shocked by the price increase.
āI was surprised to see such a drastic increase in price along with the change in policy for lack of a better word,ā Nelson said.
While Nelson said she expected the price of a pass to increase, and she wants lifeguards to be paid well, she thought the $500 price tag for a pass was extreme.
āI donāt know why there isnāt a happy medium. Why canāt we have access to the four old pools for $300 or $350? Itās an increase to pay for the staffing. Itās an increase in pricing to pay for the pool,ā said Nelson.
Nelson said she isnāt just speaking for herself; sheās been taking note of other people in the community too.
āThereās a majority of our community, especially the kids, who need the pool and who canāt afford that premium price,ā said Nelson.
For families needing assistance financially, the park district is offering a scholarship program.