HomeMy WebLinkAbout021125 email - Type of BuildingALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
Dear Commissioners,
Having been an Aquatic and Recreation Director at the Lowell, MA YWCA, a PE teacher with an MS from the Univ. of MA, Amherst, MA, and having taught Red Cross swimming at all levels and
for all ages, I do have a somewhat unique perspective on the future aquatic and recreation building for Jefferson County. I have hoped the new aquatic center would come to fruition
ever since we moved from New Hampshire to Port Townsend 13 years ago.
I would like to express my thoughts here.
I strongly believe the new build should be a permanent building structure. That is, I do not see the balloon type structures as being appropriate. They are not long lasting. They
are very noisy. They offer limited space for all that is needed. The county’s investment should be solid, long lasting and large enough to serve the community of people mentioned below.
If a great pool system is needed, I think it should have a variety of pools similar to the Shore Aquatic Building in Port Angeles or to many of the public pools in the Seattle area,
e.g. the Lynnwood pools. It should be an area that can accommodate many swim levels and interests from toddlers to Swim Team and Diving Team teens, to Lifeguard and Water Safety courses,
as well as children and adults of all capacities, including the disabled needing aquatic physical therapy.
This would include several different types of pools, locker rooms and lounge facilities. Times and types of classes and open swim could be broadened a great deal in a multiple pool installation
such as that seen in Shore Aquatics. With multiple types of pools more types of classes and therapy could run simultaneously. I would like to see a main pool with regulation lane
lengths and depths to accommodate serious divers. It would be great to see a shallow, graded pool with multiple interest stations for kids. A warmer dedicated therapy pool could help
so many and when not being used for therapy it could be used for baby and toddler lessons. An up to date hot tub would help relieve sore muscles and joints for all of the proper age.
All of these pools would need to have up to date filtering, circulation and air conditioning systems.
Another feature one can observe at Shore Aquatics is the lifeguarding methods being used. The circulating guards stay more alert, are better at spotting problems and are at the swimmers
level where they can more quickly and appropriately respond.
Finally, a place for friends to gather would be great. A lounge area could provide a place for teens, for families and neighbors to meet. In the summer, children would really enjoy
having an outdoor splash pad as well. Perhaps the most driving impetus for this whole project should be to make it a place for aquatic fun and enjoyment.
This all requires well educated aquatic council and design specialists. I thought that had been the goal of hiring the earlier design team. While the wishes of the people should most
certainly be heard, this huge project has to be handled by specialists. It cannot rest simply on the wishes, whims or fears of those who may not be considering all needs for all of
our different types of citizens.
Sincerely,
~ MJ Peck
winniwoman@gmail.com <mailto:winniwoman@gmail.com>