Kasson Aquatics Center gains popularity

The climate in the state of Minnesota is one that is constantly changing. In the winter, the struggle to stay warm as temperatures dip under zero is one that can be defeated by simply putting on another jacket or a couple more layers of clothing. But, in the summer, it’s not that easy.
As the humidity climbs to the point where you have to chew the air before you can breathe it, the temperature also soars into the mid-to-upper 90s on some occasions. When that happens, people run to the local pool to cool off and beat the heat.
Since the summer of 2013, the Kasson Aquatic Center has filled that role in the Dodge County community. With a unique combination of features, value and convenience, the facility has been packed to the fences as word has spread throughout the community.
“It’s truly an aquatic center and not just a pool,” Kasson Aquatic Center Manager Josh Mitchell explained. “We have a couple slides, diving boards, and a climbing wall. It’s everything you need in a small town location.”
This summer has been an especially busy one for the staff at the aquatic center. Mitchell estimates that the facility has reached its capacity of swimmers (around 600 people) within the first hour of operation several times this year. 
A lot of credit to the high attendance goes to daycares constantly rolling in and out and their yearly membership open to Kasson residents. The membership, which allows four swimmers unlimited use of the facility for a one-time fee of 180 dollars, has caught on throughout the community.
“People have realized the value of the yearly membership,” Mitchell agreed. “When they buy their membership, they want to utilize it the best they can.”
Perhaps the biggest evidence of the hike in local swimmers has been in the concession line. As the swimmers look to take a break to fill up their stomachs, the constant shuffle has been noticeable as well as the compliments toward the low prices that the aquatic center offers.
“It’s a nice compliment to get when you walk in the door,” Mitchell said. “What we charge for a pretzel and a cup of cheese is like two dollars. It’s not like ten or whatever you would pay at Target Field. When people tell us that they can’t believe how low the prices are, it means that they value the facility and would expect to be paying more for their concessions.”
With any functional business, the need for a great staff has become more critical to the aquatic center’s success. While high school kids enjoy their summer break working at the concession stands and being a lifeguard, the maintenance