In this current economic crisis, everyone — from families to local governments — is being forced to take a look at how they spend money and what they spend it on.

In Edmonds, one of the items on the chopping block is Yost Pool. The city is considering closing the pool this summer, the first time the pool would be closed in its 36-year history.

Yost is one of the few outdoor pools in the region; a summer swim at the tree-shaded pool is a tradition for many in the area. Closing it affects not only Edmonds residents, but everybody living along the county line.

Council President DJ Wilson said the city thinks “keeping Yost Pool (is) a basic city service” and officials have shown they are willing to listen to the very vocal public that wants the pool to remain open.

We say that the city should begin looking for ways to keep Yost open, and give the public the chance to save their pool. Suggestions from Concerned Citizens for Yost Pool include raising rates to the same level as other pools in the area, charging more for non-residents and having a non profit run operations this summer.

In these dire economic times, cuts are going to be made. But sacrificing a “basic city service” at a time when people are struggling is not the answer.