I have been swimming at the William Shore Memorial Pool for more than 40 years — not continually, mind you, but several times a week.
So I must admit some prejudice.
But I also admit to some knowledge as to how important this jewel is to our community.
A person can visit the pool any day of the week and find it filled with people of all ages, swimming laps or learning to swim, in exercise classes or following their own regimens.
Some might be shooting hoops in the shallow end, others on the climbing wall in the deep end.
Coast Guard personnel hone their skills and stamina.
Some budding engineers may be testing their underwater robots.
People are rehabilitating from injuries or operations.
There might be a person who learned to swim in her 60s or people who have been swimming regularly since the ’60s, or babies with parents.
Since the present William Shore Pool District board took over management of the pool in 2009, usage of the pool has more than doubled from 50,000 visits a year to more than 100,000, according to its website.
The pool has been re-piped, a saltwater filtration system incorporated and a new heat exchange system installed — all while using less of the taxpayer’s money than was originally voted for in 2009 when we came together to save our pool.
However, to keep pace with the needs of our community, the community must once again unite to support this valuable resource.
So be cool.
Vote for the pool.
Greg Shield,
Port Angeles