All the recreational activities that the city is looking at to encourage
usage of an outdoor pool, such as slides and water fountains, could be
accommodated in a 50 meter design, as they have done in Moses Lake, Spokane,
and the Boise Y. However, a 50 meter pool would better meet the needs of the
lap swimmers and competitive swimmers in the area. Consequently, it would
probably have more support, particularly from those who are disappointed at
not getting a year-round facility.
Moscow and Pullman have as many as 200 children on swim teams. During the
summer, they compete in 50 meter pools. Training in a 25 yard pool for a 50
meter race is a little like a basketball player practicing with a hoop two
feet lower than she'll use in a real game. A 50 meter pool would be a real
asset for these swimmers, while taking nothing away from the recreational users.
While a 50 meter facility would cost a little more, the ability of the city
to rent this on a daily basis to the Moscow and Pullman swim teams for
practice would offset some of this additional cost. Further income could be
achieved by hosting outdoor swim meets--something that could not be done in
a 25 yard pool because summer competitions require 50 meter pools. This
income would not show up entirely in the pool budget. The 1000 or so people
who would come into the community for a swim meet (swimmers, their parents
and siblings), would spend this money at grocery stores, motels, gas
stations, restaurants, and shopping areas. But it would bring money into the
community that is paying for the pool and easily offset the additional cost
of a 50 meter facility.
Since much of the argument against an indoor facility has to do with the
presence of the University of Idaho swim center, I would like to see the
city enter into discussions with the university for some use of that pool.
Would it be possible to have 30 minutes during the day for swim lessons for
toddlers? Would it be possible for there to be one or two lanes continuously
open for lap swimmers? Would it be possible for there to be parent-tot
programs during the day, such as lap swim or water aerobics for parents
concurrent with toddler swim lessons? Would it be possible to have an hour
of recreational swimming for toddlers during the day? This might involve the
city providing lifeguards and swim instructors, but it would certainly be
more cost effective than building an indoor pool.
However, if there is no way the UI pool can be utilized by the city during
the day, then I think we have to realize that this pool is not the resource
that it appears to be, particularly for area residents not associated with
the university.
Lois Melina
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Lois Melina
Editor, "Adopted Child" newsletter
P.O. Box 9362
Moscow ID 83843
phone: (208)882-1794
fax: (208)883-8035
Lmelina@moscow.com
www.raisingadoptedchildren.com