It was interesting to read of the influx of people at the library after a two-day closure. Obviously the library is well used and also has a great public relations department.
I wonder why Fountain Park Pool does not have the same capability to inform the public of the constant daily overload of patrons and the statistics to back this up. I am sure if you asked they could be provided. So I invite the Gazette and the mayor and council to spend a morning observing what happens each day.
The pool is open from 6 a.m. – people are there lane swimming; older people arrive later for aquacise. However if you get there from 8 a.m. to midday, you will see seniors having aquacise in the recreation pool, about halfway through the class a lane is taken away so that children can begin private lessons. Before the end of the seniors class, equipment is loaded into the water for the children who are registered for summer swimming classes. This juxtaposition of classes happens all day Monday to Friday. When we are not into summer programs, school programs are at the pool instead.
This constant use requires that at the end of August, the pool will be closed for much-needed maintenance and repairs. This old building is getting worn out, change rooms are often overcrowded, the air conditioning system is not coping well; you will be met by a wall of heat as you enter the building.
These are my anecdotal observations. I attend aquacise classes three mornings a week. Some seniors are there every day. Moving in the water is the best exercise. It is safe, you can do this year-round and the body really appreciates the water resistance. Exercise in water is great for repairing physical injuries. I know that the swimming club programs are active and need more room. This last week has seen the young members in the water practising in the competitive pool for upcoming swim meets.
Another pool is desperately needed. Seniors numbers are growing. Alas it will probably not happen in my lifetime, at almost 75 – another 10 to 15 years of denial and prevarication by the City of St Albert will end my dreams, so fellow citizens ask your future representatives how often they use the pool before you vote them in – we can only tread water for so long!
Elizabeth Allchin, St. Albert
