Regarding proposals to cut Everett’s budget: There are many reasons for keeping Forest Park up and running. For me, it‘s a matter of health and lifestyle:
— My health; I suffer from several joint pain issues, which I’ve received substantial help through the water aerobics swim programs and other fitness classes offered.
— Several years ago my husband and I were considering moving to Camano Island, and one of our biggest concerns was the fact that it would be too far away from the swim center. This has been one of the most important reasons for us to continue living in Everett, and a lifeline for me.
— Educational programs for youth and adults.
Throughout the many years I’ve used the pool (25-plus), I’ve witnessed many, many people of all ages benefitting from this facility. We not only have a huge company called Boeing in our midst, but also the United States Navy, as well as just normal folks living and working in Everett and the surrounding communities who look to our city and county executives to make responsible decisions to benefit all of us. Closing Forest Park would throw a lot of this away. To sell it for development would be an absolute disgrace and a discredit to those city officials who made it possible to begin with.
I am hopeful our officials will come to realize a closure would be a mistake and consider proposals that are driven toward increasing revenues so that our budget can be balanced (and managed in a fiscally responsible manner). I’m certain these officials have good consciences and would like to leave a better legacy for our area than when they began their terms of service.
Donna R. Hartman
Everett
