Posted on behalf of the Benson Hill Communities by The Benson Hill Classified Directory

DROWNING - Second ranked cause of child fatalities

p>Residents of the Benson Hill Communities and surrounding communities including Fairwood and Kent will meet at Vantage Glen Community Center on Wednesday March 10th at 6:30PM. All supporters are welcome.

The pool is the major amenity for residents of Benson Hill, Fairwood, Kent and surrounding areas who depend on use of the facility for recreation and exercise and athletic competition. Get on the mailing list to save our pool.
E-mail: savethepoolnow@hotmail.com to get involved and help. We will get back to you and keep you up to date on this effort.

The Lindbergh High School (LHS) Pool Should Not Close

Last year, residents from Renton, Benson Hill, Fairwood, Kent, and other adjacent areas visited the LHS Pool 82,000 times. Every week, kids take swimming lessons, people stay in shape, and connect with their neighbors at the pool.

An early January article in the Renton Reporter: "Lindbergh Pool could close next school year" (Jan 07 2010) told us all that this community asset had been scheduled to be eliminated at the end of summer 2010.

However, that article overstated the amount of money involved in keeping the pool open, and failed to mention some very important facts and context surrounding the proposal to close the facility.

This "close the pool" article talks about the dollar value costs but nothing about the relevant safety, health and wellness value of the pool.

    The real costs to the community if Lindbergh Pool should close are:
  • losing 40 full & part time pool jobs
  • increasing the risk of more youth drownings by
    1. ending swimming lessons capability
    2. eliminating a safe, year-round place for kids to swim.
  • loss of facilities for physical therapy and rehabilitation for senior citizens and those without health insurance
  • the destruction of public assets designed for healthful and life affirming recreation (60 hrs a week of wholesome public recreation for Renton and Fairwood residents (currently at 82,000 visits/year worth))
  • the loss of a wholesome family gathering place for residents in the adjoining neighborhoods.

There is also the reduction in the value of neighboring residential real estate values because of the loss of a nearby recreational facility.

The proposed closure is puzzling because of the impact to Lindbergh High School (LHS):

  • LHS sports teams use the pool for training and injury rehabilitation.
  • Seven swim teams, including LHS and Kentridge High School, use the pool as home base.
  • The Lindbergh cross country teams (which both placed 6th at last year's Class 3A State Meet) use the pool also for conditioning and rehabilitation.

Now we find out there is the very real possibility the pool next door may be closed.

Overwhelmingly, residents are recommending the pool remain open. Some bright, young technical people are planning on how pool costs can be reduced significantly.

The current pool manager has improved the proceeds the pool generates since taking over from King County. With his continued excellent management, the pool’s income has the potential to greatly increase, and become a huge asset to the School District and City. The pool is already a gem and asset to the community, and should be considered as such by the City, particularly when touting the benefits of living in the City of Renton.

We all look forward to a community dialogue with the Renton School District and City of Renton to keep the pool open.

Respectfully,
      Tom Reiter
      Renton, WA

Do you have a picture or two of LHS pool activities that you would like to share on this page? Please send to jim.flynn@bensonhill.com . By sending the pictures you grant permission to post them on BensonHill.com for the length of bensonhill.com activity to keep the pool open, only. Any picture will be removed upon request of the owner.

The Renton School District wants your opinion to help determine budget priorities for the 2010-2011 school year.
Please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/K7XFXR7 . This survey will close at midnight, Sunday, February 28, 2010

To go swimming or get pool schedule information go to:
http://www.rentonschools.us/Departments/Pool_-_Lindbergh_High_School

Visit the Chinook Aquatic Club web-site


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