PORT TOWNSEND — Keep the municipal pool afloat, swimmers of all ages told City Council members Monday night, citing the aging facility’s unique health and recreation qualities.
Representing her pool lifeguard son, Nathaniel, who could not attend for a medical reason, Deborah Olsen called the pool “an incredible, wonderful, funky little jewel . . .
“Retro funky is cool. Let’s go with it.”
Olsen said her son appreciated the many adult and young developmentally delayed residents who use the pool, she said.
She was among the nearly 30 who jammed the council chambers at the fire station on Lawrence Street in support of the plunge.
With at least one other young lifeguard speaking out in support of the pool, several senior citizens also came forward to espouse the therapeutic value of the facility for those with ailments such as back troubles and bone fractures.
Pool supporter Annette Huenke, who made a similar pitch in support of the 20-yard indoor pool at Mountain View Elementary School nearly two years ago, came before the council again Monday night. The school is at 1919 Blaine St.
“Here we are again talking about closing the pool because of the cost of heating water,” Huenke said.
“The town made it clear two years ago that it wanted the pool.”
Petition in 2004
In October 2004, Huenke and other pool supporters presented a petition with more than 100 signatures and young swimmers’ posters showing their support.
The pool advocates urged city leaders to save the aging pool should a proposed property tax levy fail in the November general election.
The levy failed by a 2-1 margin — but the pool remained in operation.
Huenke said with one paid employee and lifeguards paid less than city lawn-mowers, she suggested that administrative salaries be cut to save the pool.
