MARATHON — Following some protests from the public, the municipality has decided to change course on their refund policy regarding the closure of the Port Hole Pool.
Now all passes and punch card purchases to use the pool facility will be available for a full refundable.
Last week, the municipality said only patrons with memberships could obtain a refund, and those with punch cards and passes could exchange their value for other fitness programs within the facility.
During a Monday council meeting, community services manager Tessa Souckey provided an update on the facility’s recreation programming.
“The community services department is sharing information on refunds. For all memberships, punch passes, and individual passes, all refunds can be made in person at the cashier's office at the complex and will be a credit transaction,” she said.
The mayor and council supported the change to the refund policy changes and advised the administration to update the refund policy.
Souckey also informed council of several recreational programs patrons can take advantage of during the fall and winter months including fitness classes, yoga training, stretching and strengthening classes, as well as drop-in-style sports programs.
The Marathon Arena is also open to the public for public skating and the arena is gearing up for the regular season of minor and women's hockey.
The largest issue now is getting the public to participate in volunteering and organizing events to ensure these programs remain successful.
Mayor Rick Dumas acknowledged that with the pool being shut down, attracting families and youths to join other types of programs offered by the municipality is important.
“We need the community to get involved as well as this council has been mentioned. It's not just about what we can do, we can provide facilities, but we also need people to step up and help run the support program,” said Dumas.