All the recent discussions about Proposition 1 really boil down to only one thing: Do we want the ARC [Aquatics, Recreation and Community center] or not? That’s what’s on the ballot in November.
The community of Kirkland has been telling its elected officials and city staff for nearly 15 years that they want such a public facility. Existing programs providing tangible benefits to our entire community have been maxed out for years while operating in crumbling facilities that are 40 years old.
Having the ARC in our community will benefit everyone. Polling has shown 80-percent-plus support for building an ARC. Even the City Council unanimously supports it.
Some try to muddy the issue by stating “we also want the ARC… but we don’t want the Metropolitan Park District.” And then offering half-backed alternatives they know can’t work.
These are just thinly veiled attempts to undermine any funding for the ARC, effectively trying to kill it. In other words, not wanting the ARC but avoiding saying “we don’t want the ARC.”
Well, I do want the ARC, and 80 percent of Kirkland residents are of the same opinion. I encourage you to get out, to volunteer, and to tell your friends and neighbors about Proposition 1. Remember: voting “yes” on Proposition 1 and voting for the ARC is the same thing. This opportunity may not come again in our lifetime. Let’s keep our eye on the ball.
There are many individuals, families, and organizations that will benefit from this public facility – you probably know someone:
• Families with working parents that wants a place for healthy enrichment programs for their kids during school vacation.
• Families that need a place for their children to exercise in the fall, winter and spring, or to swim when our beaches are closed.
• Elderly couples that depend on access to low-impact exercise like yoga or water aerobics to feel confident about living independently in their own home for as many years as possible.
• School children who are learning to swim in third grade.
• Anyone who needs public meeting rooms in Kirkland at an affordable price.
• A community of boaters and other enthusiasts of activities on our lake that recognize the requirement of swimming skills and proper water safety.
So ask yourself… Do you want the ARC or not? If you do, vote “yes” on Proposition 1.
Karl Voss, Kirkland
