Find the way to keep pool open

We write this letter representing about 100 ladies who regularly use the Forest Park Swim Center. We have heard that, due to budget issues, the swim center may be closed. We are concerned about this.

Most of us live in or near Everett. We swim and exercise in the pool two or three times a week. Some of us do this because our doctor has recommended it, and we all know that aquatic exercise is good for us. For some, this is the only form of exercise we have.

Last year there were more than 6,000 swim lesson registrations at the Forest Park Swim Center. That’s a lot of people improving their health or learning to swim. The pool is also used by about 40 individuals from the life skills class at Everett High School. And, the pool is used by the Everett School District swim teams and also hosts swim meets during the season.

At the pool we see many infants, children and their parents taking swim lessons. In fact, almost 400 children are registered in the most recent sessions and about 65 percent have an Everett address. Many of us have grandchildren in these classes.

We understand budgets and know that we must all live within them. We also understand that the city has financial limitations. We know that difficult choices lie ahead.

We urge the city council to consider the impact of closing the Forest Park Swim Center. Consider the impact to the community, both young and old. We are confident that if the council has the will, that there is a way to keep the swim center open.

We are circulating a petition that has already been signed by hundreds of people asking to keep the swim center open.

Please join us in supporting the Forest Park Swim Center. Contact your city council representative and let your voice be heard.

Janna L. Parsons

and five other signees

Everett