Forest Park Swim Center Video From City of Everett YouTube page.
Received a letter today from Janna Parsons of Everett regarding talk of closing the Forest Park Swim Center as one of the ways the City of Everett can reduce a 12 million dollar budget gap. She asked me to post it so here it is. Also a reminder that there is a budget deficit reduction meeting tonight from 5:30pm – 8:00pm at Evergreen Middle School in South Everett and another next Tuesday at Everett Community College also from 5:30pm – 8:00pm. It’s likely the best chance people living in Everett have to make sure their suggestions are heard. Here’s the letter…
Dear Editor,
We write this letter representing about 100 ladies who regularly use the Forest Park Swim Center.
We have heard that, due to budget issues, the Forest Park Swim Center may be closed. We are concerned about this.
Most of us live in or near Everett. We swim and exercise in the pool two or three times a week.
Some of us do this because our doctor has recommended it, and we all know that aquatic exercise is good for us. For some, this is the only form of exercise we have.
Last year there were over 6000 swim lesson registrations at the Forest Park Swim Center.
That’s a lot of people improving their heath or learning to swim. The pool is also used by about 40 individuals from the life skills class at Everett High School. And, the pool is used by the Everett School District swim teams and also hosts swim meets during the season. At the pool we see many infants, children and their parents taking swimming lessons. ln fact almost 400 children are registered in the most recent sessions and about 65% have an Everett address.
Many of us have grand children in these classes. We understand budgets and know that we must all live within them. We also understand that the city has financial limitations. We know that difficult choices lie ahead.
We urge the city council to consider the impact of closing the Forest Park Swim Center. Consider the impact to the community, both young and old. We are confident that if the council has the will, that there is a way to keep the Forest Park Swim Center open. We are circulating a petition that has already been signed by hundreds of people asking to keep the Forest Park Swim Center open.
Please join us in supporting the Forest Park Swim Center. Contact you’re your local representative and let your voice be heard.
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May 8, 2014
Everett Economy, Everett Government