To the Editor:

We have a lot to decide this November on the 2020 ballot, but one thing I hope all Jackson County voters can agree on is support for the indoor aquatics center. 

As a mother of three boys, I traveled frequently to the Waynesville Recreation Center to enjoy their indoor pool and hosted or attended quite a few birthday parties in their facility. I would have loved to have stayed within my own community and kept the money spent during each of those many outings in Jackson County. Also, as a summer day camp director, I frequently took our campers to the Waynesville facility. Finally, as an avid aqua fitness attendee, I rely upon an aging Reid Pool facility subject to the university calendar for my aqua fitness. I would love to have year-round access to these classes and for my participation fees to support Jackson County directly. 

The benefits of an indoor aquatics center far outweigh the costs. The bond referendum on the ballot may look scary, but when broken down the actual impact on tax burden is relatively small. Our commitment to the health and well-being of our community is an investment in ourselves, our community, and in future generations. This facility will allow people of all ages the opportunity to engage in exercise and recreation. The swim team will have access to a superior competition pool for practice and will have the ability to host official competitions. People young and old will have greater access to life-saving swim lessons. Families with young children will have a fun indoor facility to take their children for a play date or birthday parties. People in need of low-impact exercise or rehabilitation can do so in the vortex pool or participate in aqua fitness classes. This facility will be an invaluable addition to our community. 

The vision for an indoor aquatics center has been a dream since the 1960s. Let’s help make this a reality right now in 2020 so we can start realizing our dream as soon as possible. Please vote yes to the indoor aquatics center. 

Larissa Miller

Sylva