We need to look forward, vote yes on Prop. 1 | Letter
Published 10:03 am Monday, October 19, 2015
This letter is written in support of Proposition 1 to fund a new Aquatic, Recreation and Community Center (ARC). We are life-long swimmers, one for health and recreation and the other for health and competition. Since moving to Kirkland 30 years ago we’ve been constant patrons of Kirkland’s beaches and pools. When our sons came along, we expanded our use of these excellent resources. Babies in the wading pool, swim lessons, family swim as medicine for cabin fever, pool parties, summer outdoor lap swim, the Orca swim team and the Juanita Area Masters swim team – we’ve done them all and hope to continue into a healthy old age.
With the closure of Saint Edward pool and the imminent loss of the Juanita Pool we feared that Kirkland would lose the tremendous asset of year-round pool access for all ages. We were thrilled when the City acknowledged the need for a new aquatic recreation facility and then embarked on an exhaustive outreach process to solicit community input on how best to attain it. As stakeholders we’ve had the opportunity to participate in surveys, neighborhood meetings, and focus groups and to attend City Council meetings and Park Board meetings. We’ve seen City officials and staff encourage open dialogue and listen as residents voiced their concerns and aspirations for the proposal. The result of the process has been a voice of overwhelming support for the ARC. All Kirkland citizens will have an opportunity to weigh in yet again when they vote in favor of Proposition 1.
Setting an extraordinary example for a city of its size, of any size, Kirkland provides us all with unequaled resources that support our health and fitness. Our park and recreation facilities are beautifully maintained and responsibly managed through the effort of City Staff with oversight from Park Board members and our elected City Council.
Many of these resources came to us because city leaders had the foresight to act on our behalf and take action when opportunity knocked. This combination of vision and action have given us our beaches along Lake Washington and the Cross Kirkland Corridor, making us the envy of other communities.
As the city grows and our existing facilities age this is a time to look forward. Let’s allow the city to exercise its proven good judgement and ride the wave of civic support and enthusiasm for a new pool and recreation facility. Please vote yes on Proposition 1.
Ralph and Susan Busch, Kirkland
