As a competitive swimmer in Haines, it’s important for me to have year-round pool access. It allows me to train as much as my competitors from all over Alaska. But I’ve also spent enough time at the pool to see how much the pool means to so many different people. I speak with elderly ladies in the locker room who swim to keep living a pain-free and healthy life. I notice adults who use the pool many times a week, and the ones who maybe just stop in for a couple laps. They love it because swimming is a great way to keep your body and mind healthy.
I’ve seen the young kids laughing and playing all the way from the lobby out to the pool deck and the joy that comes from simply just being there. I notice their parents joining in on the fun, guiding their kids through the water. I love to race but I think the thing that truly keeps me in the pool is the people. I’ve met and made friends with people from all over Alaska and the Lower 48.
I hope the borough assembly hears us and will consider a pool schedule that is as close to year-round as possible. It would really help competitive swimmers if we didn’t have to start from behind after months of pool closures. Also, it would help to continue to build the community and love of the pool that is continually growing.
Lucia Chapell