Jury Pool Letter to Council Members (Guest Editorial by Kim Yoh)
I sometimes feel that telling my side of the story looks a bit strange because, after all, "the pools are my job." But, because of that, I feel that I have much insight into what the pool means to those in our community. I was a child who grew up at that pool and still find it to be a great recreational center for our entire community. I have seen the parents and children "grow" to be avid swimmers and comfortable swimmers by attending our swimming lessons. We always boast that our programs have "invisible rewards" because we never know how many lives our lessons have saved.
I also would like to address the amount of time and information that I have gained through the numerous meetings with other locations that have been in our same situations with aging structures. I have personally learned a lot from seeing facilities that were built in areas similar to ours. I can see that demolition with no pool replacement is not an option and providing a new structure is what the public wants. The results of the survey speak for itself. The Park Department was given the task of surveying the public and that is exactly what we did. And, the numbers speak for themselves. Over 70% of the persons responding to our scientific survey chose to have Jury Park and Pool redone or upgraded. After questions regarding the possibilities of "redoing the pool as is" were raised, we have also addressed the situation of having it done exactly as is. That is not an option because of new guidelines required by the ADA and the need for a new filter room and area for some concessions.
I could personally speak for hours on our findings but feel that this has been very well presented in the other meetings. I would just like for you to look at the data given to you and make a decision based on the wants and needs of the community. Many are fine with the increase in their taxes because they know that the value to the community will come out exponentially. They cannot put a dollar value on the price of health, fun and companionship within our community. Please vote to allow the community to grow and move into the next phase of progress!
Kim Yoh
Aquatic Director
I also would like to address the amount of time and information that I have gained through the numerous meetings with other locations that have been in our same situations with aging structures. I have personally learned a lot from seeing facilities that were built in areas similar to ours. I can see that demolition with no pool replacement is not an option and providing a new structure is what the public wants. The results of the survey speak for itself. The Park Department was given the task of surveying the public and that is exactly what we did. And, the numbers speak for themselves. Over 70% of the persons responding to our scientific survey chose to have Jury Park and Pool redone or upgraded. After questions regarding the possibilities of "redoing the pool as is" were raised, we have also addressed the situation of having it done exactly as is. That is not an option because of new guidelines required by the ADA and the need for a new filter room and area for some concessions.
I could personally speak for hours on our findings but feel that this has been very well presented in the other meetings. I would just like for you to look at the data given to you and make a decision based on the wants and needs of the community. Many are fine with the increase in their taxes because they know that the value to the community will come out exponentially. They cannot put a dollar value on the price of health, fun and companionship within our community. Please vote to allow the community to grow and move into the next phase of progress!
Kim Yoh
Aquatic Director
I think you should be careful with your public opinion on the pool. Since you are employed by the park board, with responsibility for its aquatics program, your motives are immediately suspect because you have a vested interest in the final decision - which is continued employment and perhaps added responsibilities with increased salary. You might want to reconsider making your opinions available to the public. Rather, a better choice would be to lobby friends and consumers of the park's services (i.e., the pool), and have them spread the word. Their only vested interest is to get quality recreational opportunities at an affordable cost...not saving their job. Just a thought....Rob
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Mr. Grayless, I agree wholeheartedly. All along, I've thought it strange that those employed by the park department have spoken so avidly as if they were just mere citizens. I have a feeling that the members of the park department have a passion for this pool project because they have put so much time and effort into it. I do appreciate that, but I think they need to take a giant step back and look at the economy. Disposable income is at zero for many north of highway 30 and west of Hartzell Road. Do we want a pool? Absolutely! Are we willing to pay a little bit in the way of taxes or higher entry prices? Yes, if they stick with the minimum plan. Also, how did the quote stated by Ken Wilkinson increase from $2.2 million to $3.3 million just since the down vote in November?
I think that I stated the facts about the Troy Family Aquatics Center pretty clearly at the meeting. Their entry fee of $7.75 for residents pretty much spells out failure when even that isn't making a profit.
There was a definite majority of down votes at the meeting on Tuesday. Will our city council listen? I certainly hope they will because if they don't, the next election may turn out very differently.
One final question. Does Mr. West still live in New Haven, or is it true that he now lives in Canterbury Green? I would just like an honest answer to the question.
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Dear Ms. Workman,
As to your final question. My official residence is in New Haven and I plan to return to that residence as soon as that house is ready for occupancy sometime this summer. The court has determined that I am a New Haven resident for the purpose of my council position. My absence from that residence is temporary and the court has stated that to be so.
That is an honest answer to your question.
Harold E. West
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Thank you Mr. West. Rumors were flying, and I didn't want to promote them because I wasn't sure they were true.
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