2020/04/22 Council Agenda Packet

Deb Williams From: jennifer williams <williamsj77@hotmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2020 12:19 PM To: Deb Williams Subject: Forest Park pool proposed closure To whom it may concern, I am writing to you to express my heartbreak of the news that you are proposing to city counsel to close Forest Park pool and senior center for the next 18 months. Forest Park pool has been an amazing community outreach since 1976. Growing up in the state of Michigan I learned to swim at a very young age. All the schools in my hometown had pools that were open to the community and it was also part of a PE credit to take swim lessons. After moving here and making Everett my home many years ago, community pools in the sense of Forest Park was something to get used to. After using the pool and getting to know employees by name, I realized what a huge part of our community it is. I have 4 children that have all learned to swim in that pool. We have held birthday parties there, Our Saviors Lutheran Church will use it for youth events, and it gives our family a wonderful night out for open swim. Late last year I decided to apply for a part time position teaching water aerobics and working at the front desk. Over the past 5 months I got to see the faces of those that use the pool on a regular basis. I got to know them by name. I got to make friends that have worked for the pool for many years and put their heart and soul into that place. The pool has made a difference in many peoples lives. Some of the older people who take morning exercise classes depend on the pool as their outlet and now not only are you proposing to close the pool but also the senior center as well. For instance, while working at the pool I have had the pleasure in meeting a man by the name of Graham. He has been a long standing citizen of this community. After a horrible accident he now suffers from anxiety and depression with severe PTSD. He feels comfortable at Forest Park pool. He comes every day if not twice a day to swim laps while his wife takes aerobic classes. I have witnessed people in need paying to use the showers for a minimal cost or the patrons that have arthritis and pain that come to sit in the jacuzzi to relax and rest. Or the high schools who use the pool for their swim and diving teams, not only to practice but for meets as well. During this time we need more community. I understand the need to save money for our city but let's look at other ways please. The new YMCA does not work for everyone and I can definitely attest that it does not have the family feel nor the space and needs of the community for a pool area. I appreciate your time and hope you can hear my words. Sincerely, Jennifer Campbell Get Outlook for Android Get Outlook for Android 1