Letter to the Editor

Why can't WECRD build pool?

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Dear editor:

I am writing this letter in hopes that it will strike a nerve in the social conscience of the Mountain Home population.

"There is nothing for the kids to do."

I have heard this since I was a kid. I was born and raised in Mountain Home and I was fortunate enough to take advantage of what sports were offered here. When I was a kid I played football for Tom Hiler and as I grew older I was talked into joining the swim team and was fortunate enough to be introduced to Mary Fran Aguirre, an avid swimmer and an adult who took a genuine interest in teaching me the sport of swimming. We had the pool at Richard Aguirre park but most of our swim practice was done on base.

Which brings me to the point. WECRD bought the land by the high school and we finally have the location (bought and paid for). So why aren't we building an indoor swimming facility?

I have heard that the Mountain Home Recreation Department wants to be part of it but won't, or can't, get on board with WECRD.

I also understand that there are people on the WECRD board who don't want an indoor swimming facility.

I truly don't understand this whole thought process. We need an activity that can be enjoyed year round (not another weight gym, Mountain Home has three) that everyone can enjoy. An aquatics facility would fit the bill and would be used for generations to come. And as I understand, we are STILL being taxed for the "facility" even though there isn't one!

I urge all the citizens of Mountain Home from the shifty fifty to the dirty thirty (you know who you are) and those of us who just want to leave a better community. Speak to your city councilman! Talk to the mayor! Let's really do something for the kids and the adults alike. I would hate to think that by the time I retire there is still "NOTHING FOR THE KIDS TO DO" in Mountain Home.

-- Larry Martin

Editor's note: The Western Elmore County Recreation District, formed in 2001 in large part to build an indoor swimming pool, is currently preparing a capital funds campaign to help raise needed private donations for Phase I of a community center that initially would focus on gyms and meeting rooms. Under its overall plan, however, Phase II of the center, which is expected to follow about 12 years after Phase I begins operating, would include an indoor aquatic facility.

The city has no involvement in the decisions, taxes and funding of the independent recreation district.

The board of directors of the WECRD is composed of Molly Marsh, Jana Borgholthaus and Scott Sessions.