By Sarah Brown / Herald Forum
Regarding a Herald article (“Future of long-shuttered Forest Park pool to get deep dive study,” The Herald, May 2), we’ve lived in Everett for 13 years and until covid-19 closed the Forest Park pool, it was the community hub for our entire family.
My daughter took swim lessons, diving lessons, and joined the swim team there. We hosted a pool party for her birthday and often loaded up the car with giggling girls to go swim in the summer. While she swam, my husband and I met and connected with other parents in the community and learned about their favorite restaurants and businesses in the area. As newcomers to the community, that was priceless.
In 2017, my elderly mother moved to Everett from Kansas. She didn’t know anyone here, other than our family, so we joined a water aerobics class together at the Forest Park Swim Center. I knew that would be a great way for her to meet people and make friends who lived nearby, while also getting some exercise. We both made many dear friends in that class and continue to get-together. Several of her swim friends came to my mother’s 90th birthday party last week!
The covid-19 lockdowns were tough on everyone, but we looked forward to the day when Forest Park’s pool would open, again. When it didn’t open, we joined the YMCA. Unfortunately, for my mother, the water aerobics classes at the Y are often very full or completely full. For my elderly mom, who can’t keep up with every step and movement, she can’t participate without getting bumped and feeling like she’s in someone’s way.
I know that the city of Everett will evaluate whether Forest Park’s pool should reopen, since the operating costs are extremely high. I hope that the city also considers the cost of not opening the pool.
There will be children who don’t learn to swim, teens who won’t become lifeguards, kids and adults with fewer exercise opportunities, and all of us who will miss out on making connections in the community, indoors and out of the rain! Everett needs two full-time indoor public pool facilities to meet the needs of all residents.
I hope the city can view the high cost of opening the Forest Park Swim Center as a wise investment that improves and connects our community.
Sarah Brown lives in Everett.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
