Pool more generally

["Priscilla Salant" <psalant@moscow.com>]

Visionaries,

 

People are naturally curious about whether the pool operated in the black this season.  After all, we chose the existing design partly based on the likelihood of its covering operating expenses.  (ORB, the city's pool consultant advised us that an outdoor family leisure pool in Moscow could run $15,000 in the black if we had 78,000 swims.)  Net revenue was a big part of our our discussions and deliberations.

 

Nevertheless, whether we broke even this first summer is not a big issue for me.  We have an outstanding facility that far exceeded my expectations.  Kids got experience with lifeguarding and dealing with the public (and did a great job in my opinion).  People of all ages had a place to meet and enjoy the outdoors.  And Moscow drew many visitors who more than likely patronized local retailers.  Moreover, city staff showed they could do a fine job operating a big, labor-intensive facility the day it opened, with only minor glitches. Bravo, especially to Amber, the Aquatics Center director.

 

From my own personal perspective, I happily admit the pool made this my favorite summer in all the 13 years I've lived here. I'm a convert to outdoor lap swimming!

 

I'd like to encourage everyone to move forward from here in a positive way.  This can happen if the city shares financial data with the public, and if we have an open conversation about what we learned from one season of operation.  Let's see if we can't make next year even more successful, and meet the needs of even more local residents.

 

--Priscilla Salant