More than likely I will never dip my toes in the new pool (if it is built). However, I am an active user of the exercise room and for years took yoga thru Shoreline Parks and Rec until our beloved teacher retired. I have also recently added pickleball to my list of activities at the city's Spartan Gym. The status of the building that the Spartan Gym resides is one of the critical factors in presenting Proposition 1 to the voters (along with an aging community pool).
With our population increasing, what happens if in five or ten years the School District (which owns the building) decides they need more classroom space and gives notice to the city they will have to vacate? Where will the city find the space to relocate the present activities? How much more will it cost to purchase land and to build a facility in the future?
The price tag for Prop 1 is high but the benefits will touch everyone... young, old and in-between. Last winter at a well-attended open house about the CAC, the draft plan was presented. The plan was resoundingly criticized by the swimming community that attended. Representatives from the Senior Center stated they also wanted to be part of the new facility (as the Senior Center is in the same predicament as the Spartan Gym). The city listened, went back to the drawing board and drew up a new plan. The price tag grew. This summer, word got out that the proposed Prop 1 would not include any money for parks. A public outcry ensued, and money was included for four parks. The price tag grew. If the plan seems excessive, blame it on the city for listening to your fellow residents. Vote for our future. Vote Yes on Prop 1!
Barbara Guthrie
Shoreline
At Hamlin Park East, the plan calls for removing a heavily used ball field and installing a splash park....great idea! Let's replace an athletic field which is used year round with a water feature.
ReplyDeleteListen to the citizens? Not all of us have time to figure out what the heck is going on with the city 24/7. I work 50-60 hours a week and have kids. These surveys, I've never seen one or had anyone reach out to me. I asked my neighbors, and neither have they. It seems the city always listens to a select few citizens in the city they know will agree to whatever they want. This reminds me a lot of the rezone fiasco a few years ago. People lost their homes and neighborhoods to eminent domain and reckless development, and they sent surveys out mailers talking about train station mural and dances. I can't afford $400 a year for a pool I will still have to pay to use.
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