The seasons first major snowfall might be on the horizon but folks in Lower Makefield Township are planning for the next warm weather day so residents can jump into the community pool as officials announced important updates for next season.
Following a careful review of staffing patterns, attendance trends, and community feedback, the Parks and Recreation Board presented, the Board of Supervisors reviewed these recommendations and approved the updated fees and pool hours at their November meeting ensuring member-focused changes are in place well ahead of the 2026 season, said Township Manager David Kratz
Last year, many members, noted, officials said, that they wanted earlier and clearer communication regarding seasonal updates. In response, the Township is committed to providing timely, transparent information so families can plan for a summer full of memories at the pool, Kratz noted.
2026 Membership Information
New Resident Household Cap
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A Resident Household Membership will be $600 and is offered exclusively to Lower Makefield Township residents. Township Residents living in the same home will not have to pay more than $600. Just register like normal, and the pricing will be fixed when you go to pay.
Early-Bird Discount – Save 10%
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All memberships purchased before February 13, 2026, will receive a 10% discount, reducing the Resident Household cap to $540 during this time frame.
Registration Opens December 1, 2025
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Early-bird registration begins today, December 1, 2025.
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Register here: https://register.capturepoint.com/LowerMakefield
2026 Operational Schedule Highlights
To ensure safe, efficient, and well-staffed operations, the following updates will take effect for the 2026 season:
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No weekday hours while the Pennsbury School District is in session.
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Weekend hours during school-year weeks will open one hour earlier.
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Friday and Saturday closing times will return to 9:00 PM during the peak season.
These adjustments allow the Township to maintain full operations while maximizing access during peak times for families.
A full schedule is available on the Township website: https://www.lmt.org/departments/parks-recreation/programs-membership/the-pool/
Why These Changes Are Needed
The Township employs over 120 staff members each pool season—87 of whom were minors in 2025, including 57 employees ages 14–15. Under state and federal labor laws, 14- and 15-year-olds:
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Cannot work past 7:00 PM during the school year
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Cannot work past 9:00 PM during the summer months
Because minors make up the majority of weekday staff, extended evening hours during the school year are neither feasible nor legally compliant.
Additionally, the Pennsbury School District’s updated bell schedule delays student dismissal by approximately one hour, preventing many staff members from arriving in time for a 3:30 PM weekday opening.
Township officials noted attendance data from the early part of last season also showed significantly lower weekday usage while school was in session, reinforcing the need for schedule adjustments. These changes will affect four of the fifteen operational weeks in 2026: three at the beginning of the season and one at the end.