Sign yellow petitions to renovate Jury Pool

I urge the citizens of New Haven and Adams Township to sign the yellow petition in favor of the plan to improve Jury Pool.

As the Parks and Recreation director for New Haven and Adams Township for more than 12 years, I can write confidently that the majority of people are in favor of an updated swimming pool. While working for New Haven, I talked with many people, and I listened to what they had to say regarding parks and recreation in the community and worked hard to bring to reality their requests. I heard, over and over, three central themes: 1) “Thanks for the New Haven River Greenway”; 2) “When are we going to build a community recreation center?”; and 3) “What are we going to do about Jury Pool?”

During my tenure, the city conducted a scientific survey. Despite what the critics have said about the survey, it was a great survey, written and administered with assistance from a scientist who specializes in surveys. We were told by opponents of the Jury Pool project that the survey was too complicated and that we would never get any returned. We had 33 percent of the surveys returned, which is a fantastic return of surveys.

The survey gave great insight into what the people wanted, and more than 86 percent said that they wanted Jury Pool to be renovated or replaced, even if it meant a slight increase in property taxes. Of the respondents, more than 80 percent were homeowners who will realize a slight property tax increase.

In my current position as parks and recreation manager for the city of Yakima, Wash., I have seen increased use of our park facilities and programs because of the difficult economy. People are staying home but continue to want recreation.

Now more than ever, people need recreation near their homes. We need places that are positive in our communities; places that add to the vitality of our communities; places that make us proud to live in a community, whether that is in Indiana or Washington; places that we love and help define who we are as a community; places that give us opportunities to be physically active; places that help us create wonderful memories with our families; places where we can teach people, not just children, how to swim and be safe around water – and Jury Pool is one of those places.

Now is the time for citizens of New Haven and Adams Township to stand up, sign the yellow petitions and be counted for renovating Jury Pool. Some people in the community have stated that they speak for citizens and say they do not want the pool to be replaced or renovated. If they do not speak for you, then sign the yellow petitions and get this project moving forward.

The opponents have done a great job of causing confusion regarding the project, and they have been successful in placing roadblocks in the way. But this is your time. Please do not wait for the petitions and some of the negativity to come to you. Seek out the petitions and get them signed.

Thanks to all of those who have continued to fight for Jury Pool. They are a credit to their community.

Ken Wilkinson