By Carleen Wild
Moody County Enterprise
Reserving the Flandreau City Pool — whether for a full private party or a small section of the patio — has become a popular way to make the most of South Dakota’s short summer.
Until recently, it was also pretty simple. Fees were low, and availability was rarely an issue.
But as private rentals increased, so did questions from city officials about whether frequent closures to the public — especially during peak swim time — were worth it.
Earlier this month, the Flandreau City Council revisited the issue ahead of the 2026 season and approved several changes.
Pool hours will shift slightly, largely due to ongoing staffing challenges. For the upcoming season, the pool will be open Monday through Saturday from 1 to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. City Administrator Cohl Turnquist said that the reduced Sunday hours are intended to ease staffing pressure and allow for private rentals after 5 p.m. There were quite a few days this past season, he told council members, that
So far, about 10 lifeguards have been hired, with more still needed to fully cover the schedule. Returning guard Josie Hamilton will serve as pool manager.
Rental fees are also increasing. A full private party reservation will now cost $200 for two hours, up from $100. The “Party Pad” — a concrete patio area inside the fenced space — will be available during open swim for $100 per two-hour block.
City leaders say the changes aim to strike a better balance between public access and private use, while ensuring the pool can operate consistently throughout the summer.
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