I am a regular swimmer at the Mary Wayte Pool and a strong supporter of the need for a community pool. Children need to learn to swim and to have fun in the water, swim teams need a place to work out, and adults need a place to exercise in the water, swim laps or just enjoy the water. I do not think that we need or could afford an aquatic center like the Federal Way Aquatic Center. However, it would be nice to have a therapy pool like the one at the Bellevue Aquatic Center. It has a ramp leading into it and is kept at a warmer temperature. Also a deep end of the pool with diving boards would be appreciated by the high school “Swim & Dive Team,” those learning to dive or those who just like to do “cannon balls.” As far as the possible sites for a new pool:

1) A new pool at the existing site would be ideal, as it is centrally located and is easily accessible by the high school swim team.

2) If that is not possible, I vote for a joint venture with the Boys’ & Girls’ Club with a pool located near their facility on Mercer Island School District property near the high school. A location at the old East Seattle School site would also work. It would not be as convenient for the high school swim team, but would be very accessible to most of the community.

3) Having a pool near the Community Center would be great. If it could be on the level of the Community Center and not down at Luther Burbank Park, that would be even better. Many people use the Community Center to exercise, and it would be a great addition to have a pool as part of the complex. Of course, that would require land for the pool and additional parking, but would create a multifaceted center.

Peggy Pomeroy