May 19th, 2008 WAVE 3 Hot Button Editorial: Cool Kids -- Text version

Please let me point out a few things, Mr. Langford. First of all, I understand that the problem in opening several of the pools is not just the lack of operating funds but also the lack a repair funds. It seems that a number of the Metro pools are quite aged and with age (like with us humans), a few infirmities can crop up. Second, grass mowing has already been cut back a Metro Park - way back. I walk my dog daily through George Rogers Clark park and I can tell you that the mowing is drastically reduced from last year. I'm glad my dog is so big. Otherwise, I might have lost him.

I do agree with you that our city should work much harder to find ways to fund the repair and operation of these pools, particularly those inside the inner city. I'd much rather have these kids hanging out at the pool than hanging out on the street corner. Idle kids are a breeding ground for trouble. Time spent at the pool is time spent burning calories and building muscle. Don't we have enough Type II (formerly called Adult Onset) Diabetes by now??? Is this another case of saving a little bit today now only to pay for it in the future???

As for the Brightside signs in Spaghetti Junction, I wouldn't worry too much about that. I understand that they are paid for by Brightside itself through private contributions, not Metro tax dollars.

maybe some of these idle kids could be put to work fixing up the facilities?

quote:

Originally posted by ZOO:
maybe some of these idle kids could be put to work fixing up the facilities?

It’s a seemingly easy solution but not very realistic. First, there would be the issue of liability if someone got hurt, even as a volunteer. Second, federal law restricts what kind of labor a child can do. Third, many of the jobs would involve repairing or replacing chlorinators, concrete, or other heavy-duty repairs. I don't think many of these kids have that kind of experience.

As Watterson Pool closes, Elks club offers option

I saw this article on the relative lack of public outcry concerning the Watterson pool. Two sentences midway in the article sum up the crux of Metro Parks' dilemma in maintaining pools.

"The Watterson pool was built in 1974 and was never rebuilt. Most pools need a complete overhaul after 20 years at a cost of $2 million or more, Cissell said."

I think that makes it pretty obvious that the pool closures won't be an easy problem to resolve.

Last year I used the Mary T. Meagher pool quite a bit, but I was only using it for exercise.

I paid per visit, never had a membership. According to their website, here's how it breaks down:

Daily Admission: $4.50
Monthly Individual: $38.50
Annual Individual: $330
3-month Family: $165
Annual Family: $495

These prices get me access to the pool and/or weight room.

Now don't get me wrong, that's not outrageous or anything... but compare what you get at a public pool to what is offered at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom and Water Park for a $50 season pass:

(according to their website)
Mega Wedgie water slide.
Free tickets for friends.
Free water park.
$300 in food discounts, souvenirs.
Six Flags rides.
Free Special Events.
Free Fright Fest on halloween.
Unlimited Visits to any Six Flags locations nationwide.

For families who can't afford gym memberships to replace the closed pools, I'm betting going anywhere for vacation is equally challenging. For $50 a person, they can have a much more engaging pool experience at the water park, the whole family can ride the rides together and go to festivals or other events... as many times as they want all season.

I agree having pool access is a great way to get kids moving and away from the video games, but public pools simply can't compete with what Kentucky Kingdom has to offer.

The whole discussion reminds me of the situation with the libraries. They would get more funding if more people demanded upgrades to the library system. So what would get me to go back to the library? If there was a Starbucks (or something similar) lounge with real reading lights (not those crappy fluorescent ceiling lights) and some appealing atmosphere, I could see myself going there just to kill time.

I know it's not a reality to see public libraries do something like that, but that's ok because I don't plan to go back anyway in their current state. Planting a few computers in the middle of the library isn't quite the upgrade which will make laptop owners want to give up their favorite coffee shop in favor of patronizing the library.

The same goes for public pools... what would it take to get people to use them more? I just don't have an answer for that.