By Kimberly Redmond

After a booming first season, Mount Olive’s municipal pool will be back this summer.

The 2019 season – which kicks off on May 25 – will also include some new offerings, such as party rentals, swim lessons and a designated morning adult swim time, according to Andrew Tatarenko, the town’s business administrator.

Calling the pilot season “a huge success,” Tatarenko said the facility surpassed the expectation of officials, bringing in over 10,000 visitors and generating nearly $120,000 in revenue.

It’s also earned the township an Innovation in Governance Award from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and New Jersey League of Municipalities for partnering with Centercourt Club & Sports to operate the community pool.

Though Mount Olive already has a lake beach in Budd Lake and a splash pad, it didn’t have a municipal pool. In hopes of filling the void, officials explored several possibilities, including acquiring land to build one or purchasing the existing facility owned by Centercourt Club & Sports.

But to keep costs down, officials reevaluated and decided to approach Centercourt to gauge interest in a lease arrangement for the pool.

Since Centercourt – a business offering a range of sports programs at several facilities around New Jersey – took ownership of the Mount Olive facility in 2016, its tracked a decline in activity, particularly to the pool, which was only used for summer camps and not open to the general public.

The pool area includes a 5,900 square-foot pool, kiddie pool, locker room, concession stand, volleyball court and picnic area.

Under the terms of the deal negotiated, Centercourt provides staff, lifeguards and use of their pool while the township is in charge of selling memberships to residents. The township must also turn over a percentage of revenue to Centercourt to offset the cost of operations.

For the pilot season, offerings were kept basic, but officials hope to expand services in the future to include lessons, party rentals and daily walk-in passes.

Tatarenko said, “The feedback we received from the residents were all positive and we have used some of their suggestions to make improvements for the coming year.”

Another addition for 2019 includes use of the tennis courts, as well as a 50 percent discount on Centercourt summer camps to pool club members, according to the administrator.

“The best part of the agreement is that we have been able to offer the residents something that was needed in town, without impacting their taxes,” he said.

This year’s season kicks off on May 25. From the end of May through June 21, the pool will be open on weekends and holidays only. Between June 22 and Sept. 2, it’ll be open daily, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Membership packages, which are available to Mount Olive residents only, range from $400 per family to $150 for an individual. Guest passes are five for $50 or 10 for $80.

To purchase a membership for the coming season, log on to www.register.communitypass.net/mountolive or visit the recreation department. Additional information about the facility can be found at www.rec.mountolivetownship.com/mtolivepool.