I am writing to voice my support for the William Shore Memorial Pool District Proposition 1.
The pool is an exemplary model of a well-run and successful community facility.
Since the pool district was formed in 2009, pool use has doubled to more than 100,000 users from 50,000. In 2016 alone, more than 4,000 students learned to swim at our pool, according to its website.
Those numbers could increase with an expanded facility.
This success has created a demand for pool space that has outgrown the confines of our community pool.
At its present size, there is no room to add programs and services, programs that will generate generous sources of income.
Swim lessons, exercise classes, swim teams and clubs, lap swimmers, families and children, the Coast Guard, hospital and home-schoolers all compete for the same limited pool space.
The badly need expansion will alleviate this congestion by adding a new exercise and swim lesson pool, creating a kids’ play area, building new ADA-approved locker rooms and additional parking.
By keeping the main pool intact, the renovation is less costly and construction time will be cut in half.
The pool was built in 1961, and in spite of dedicated and responsible management and major structural improvements, it is time to upgrade and expand to ensure that we have a pool that can meet community needs for the next 50 years.
Please vote your approval of this community treasure.
Anna Manildi,
Port Angeles
Manildi is president of the pool’s board of commissioners.