Showing posts with label letters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label letters. Show all posts

Letter to the Editor: Vote Yes on Prop 1 to fund community members’ top priorities for Parks, Aquatics and Recreation

Monday, October 21, 2019

To the Editor:

In a 2016 survey and public meetings, community members prioritized park facilities for the 2017 Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan. Shoreline residents prioritized investments in nature trails, small neighborhood parks, paved walking/biking trails, and indoor aquatic and recreation center. Furthermore, the community rated upgrading existing parks and building a new indoor aquatics center as the top actions the city should take to implement the PROS Plan.

After the adopting the 2017 PROS Plan, the city convened a stakeholder groups to make funding recommendations to the City Council. The stakeholder group prioritized park projects for funding that improved accessibility based on location, age, income, and race as well as the need to fulfill parks level of service goals described in the PROS Plan. The park improvements in Prop 1 are located in neighborhoods with less access to key features like playgrounds and spray parks, walking paths, pickle ball and basketball courts, and picnic shelters.

Many of our parks require significant re-investments, as they were developed more than 20 years ago. Shoreline is forward thinking, trying to plan and build new facilities that align with facility life cycles, the growth of the city, and the needs of the community.

These investments in our community will improve the quality of life for all of our deserving residents. Our plans strive to allow every resident to live within a 15 minute walk to a park, to have access to facilities that allow for a healthy and active lifestyle and to build community.

For more information about projects proposed in Proposition 1, please visit the city’s website. Additional details are available here.

Carolyn Hope
Shoreline Resident



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Letter to the Editor: We are voting against anything that raises taxes.

To the Editor:

We are being overwhelmed by car tabs, rising costs of everything, and especially taxes. My wife and I have lived in Shoreline since 1967, 52 years and can no longer afford to live here any longer. The taxes are eating us out of house and home. 

If we did not have to pay taxes like all of these new apartments we could stay for awhile longer. We are going to have to move somewhere else. We do not need this new pool or a new senior center, the pool can be rebuilt as well as the center. 

We are voting against anything that raises taxes.

James Malchow
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: A pool is a magical place

Sunday, October 20, 2019

To the Editor:

I remember when my first born learned to swim. Inspired by Michael Phelps, we went to the grocery store all decked out in cap and goggles. When my second and third child came along, swim lessons were already a weekly event. We hopped in the car, towels around our necks and flip flops on our feet, excited to see our swim teachers and play in the water. To a child water is a magical place.

Eventually my kids learned safe water skills, but like many other kids in the Shoreline area, they caught the swimming bug! Our family started our competitive swim journey right here at the Shoreline Pool with the Gators Swim Team. Since then all three have participated on five different swim teams within the city limits ranging from year-round, highly competitive leagues to summer fun leagues, but the most memorable experiences all three of them talk about is high school swim. High school swim is a magical experience.

High school Swim / Dive is one of the last few sports in our society where everyone is welcome. Everyone participates. Elite athletes compete right alongside novice swimmers. Records are broken on the same day that new swimmers make it across the pool for the first time or dive off blocks. Other kids who did cartwheels on the playground or dabbled in Parkour find their way to the diving board, some even going on to State 3A championships. Completing a reverse dive with a full twist for the first time is a magical moment.

Our Shoreline Pool is at the end of its life. As much as we would all like to hope, it is not cost effective to retrofit it. And if no pool is built to replace it, Shoreline will only have private pools only available to private neighborhoods. We will lose a very important resource impacting our current generation and those future swimmers and divers to come. Please look to our children’s future and don’t let a magical experience every child should have disappear. Vote YES on Proposition 1.

Angela Nouwens
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: Can you afford Prop 1?

To the Editor:

During the past three years several non-random, non-representative, specially selected small groups of Shoreline residents met to develop their want list for four of Shoreline’s parks, plus plans for a regional Olympic aquatic and community center. These forums were not open to other Shoreline residents. No one but the participants and City Hall were informed when and where these forums occurred, or how these were conducted.

It appears as though members of these forums were invited to consider every possible amenity that could be included in the four parks, and the aquatic and community center. Costs do not seem to be included as an advisable or necessary constraint.

And, it appears forum members were encouraged to think that the rest of Shoreline, its residents and businesses, would happily agree to play Santa Claus to pay for these extensive recreational amenities for the next 20 years, in addition to property taxes they now pay. Within that period the proposed amenities in all facilities, plus those parks not included in this extensive wish list, will no doubt need major repairs and upgrades. More tax $$s will be needed.

According to Zillow, hundreds of Shoreline homeowners are now selling, even in The Highlands. Homes are not selling quickly. Soon thousands of renters will move into many large soon to be completed Shoreline apartment complexes, many subsidized. No doubt they will enjoy all the amenities.

Can you afford to play Santa Claus for the next 20 years? Is your income so predictably stable that you know you will have enough money to pay increasing property assessments and taxes? If there is an economic downturn as in 2009, will you be able to stay in your home and stay in Shoreline? Can you afford Prop 1?

Jeanette Paulson
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: Proposition 1 is an important priority for our growing city

Saturday, October 19, 2019

To the Editor:

I am writing to express my strong support for Shoreline Proposition 1 to fund park improvements and a new community and aquatic center. As a member of the Shoreline Parks Board, I would like to reiterate that the City has conducted an extensive public process to form this ballot measure. These investments are an important priority considering the anticipated population growth in Shoreline.

Proposition 1 would fund much-needed improvements to four parks geographically distributed across Shoreline. These parks are long overdue for upgrades and new equipment. Park improvements would include playgrounds, splash-pads, multi-sports courts, trails, and a fully accessible play area for people of all physical abilities.

The Shoreline Aquatics, Recreation, and Community Center (ShARCC) is not “just a new fancy pool” as I have heard it described. This facility will provide essential health, recreation, and community amenities for all ages in a centralized location.

I am constantly surprised by the question “Why do we need a new pool and recreation center?” The Shoreline Pool was built almost 50 years ago and needs significant maintenance to keep it operational. The Spartan Recreation Center is also an older facility in need of renovations to meet the growing demand for recreation programs and community space.

Both facilities are located on land owned by the Shoreline School District that was recently rezoned for higher density development, increasing property values significantly. The District could decide to redevelop or sell the property where the existing pool and recreation center are currently located, making it even more critical that we act on the proposed ShARCC now.

Please support Shoreline parks, aquatics, and recreation by voting Yes on Proposition 1!

John Hoey
Vice-Chair, Shoreline Parks, Recreation, Cultural Services, and Tree Board



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Letter to the Editor: No on Prop 1

Friday, October 18, 2019

To the Editor:

Shoreline Proposition 1 is a bond issue for One Hundred and Three Million, Six Hundred Thousand dollars of taxpayer obligation. The official city statement is that the owner of a “median” valued home would pay $244.00 a year, but the median home in Richmond Beach is $713,000.00 and the cost would be close to $400.00 a year - now we’re starting to talk about real money!

The officials have hit on a new technique to pry money from the taxpayers. Fund the normal, boring expenses in the city budget and then put things that appeal to taxpayers on the ballot, and go for the big bucks so they won’t have to go back to the pesky taxpayers. So we vote for Yes on Shoreline Schools, yes on Sidewalks and now Pool, Parks and Recreation because they are good things. We probably want what’s offered in Prop 1, in which case the city can fund it. Our property tax is up 34% in 6 years and at our home, “Tax Fatigue” is setting in. Is this bond the only way to get a pool, etc?  No, pressure the City Council to fund it. After all, that's their job, isn't it?

Richard Shilling
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: A neighborhood park is a precious commodity

To the Editor:

Last Saturday a group of teens seeking community service credit set out to hang leaflets on the front doors of residences surrounding the four parks that will be improved if we pass Prop 1.

The neighborhoods these parks serve deserve the upgrades - safer play equipment, permanent rest rooms, walking trails, splash pads, and other benefits that will bring value to Ballinger, Hillwood, Briarcrest residents and to the Richmond Highlands Recreation Center which serves people from all over Shoreline.

Neighborhood parks are assets for families with children, folks with dogs, and friends who care to stroll while chatting. Parks draw us outside, even during the so-called "great dark," for fresh air, a brisk walk, or intense play.

When my grandsons were young we often walked down to the "Hundred Acre Wood" (Boeing Creek Park) to romp through the woods, cross the creek, escape danger, and find our way to Shoreview Park where the boys could swing, climb, roll down the hill, or chase a ball.

The boys eventually outgrew adventures with Grandma, but I will always hold the memories dear to my heart. I wish such an experience for anyone who loves the company of children and is willing to lose themselves in imagination and play.

A neighborhood park is a precious commodity. Don't deny our fellow residents the opportunity to have a great safe place to play within walking distance of home. Vote YES on Prop 1.

Robin McClelland
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: Maintaining our home - Shoreline

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

To the Editor:

Neighbors — please VOTE YES on Proposition 1. Shoreline is not just my home, it’s ours. Owning a home takes maintenance and investment. If we do nothing, it falls apart, loses value, and the larger neighborhood loses desirability. We have happily invested in our house, not just to maintain its value, but to avoid the deterioration that complacency brings. If the roof leaks, the gutters are falling off, and the plumbing doesn’t work, our house’s value (and our pride) are lost. Likewise, we Shoreliners must invest in our city to maintain the quality of life that makes our homes not only more valuable, but worth living in. Our responsibility doesn’t stop at the curb, our community is worth the investment.

We have owned our house within our Shoreline “home” for over twenty years — we have raised 3 kids here. Our boys played baseball at Richmond Highlands Recreation Center, they all played soccer at Hillwood, and they were safe in our parks. Our daughter has a home here, and our granddaughter has even sung karaoke in one of our parks! It’s been a great life — not just because of my own home, but because of the beautiful larger home that it sits in.

In our twenty-four years living and owning in Shoreline, we have made the necessary investments not only to maintain our community, but to improve it. The schools, the roads, the transformation of Aurora and the competent city planning have assured that all our families enjoy activities, safety, and solid community values far into the future.

Please vote YES on Proposition 1. Maintain Shoreline home values now and for our children.

Patric and Bonnie Brayden
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: Vote Yes on Prop 1

Monday, October 14, 2019

To the Editor:

A funny thing happens when you retire. One week you are attending business lunches, flying to places to discuss marketing strategies, learning the latest rules and regulations of your industry, and networking (aka schmoozing).

The next week, you’re asked if you’ve been to the “senior center.” Wait, what? That’s the place my folks used to go to - it’s not for me!

Or is it?

This is one of the reasons Prop 1, Shoreline Aquatics, Recreation and Community Center (ShARCC) will have priority space for those aged 50+. ShARCC is open to all ages, erasing any stigma attached to going to a place your parents visited.

As folks age, they may live in an apartment, not see people as much,  and maybe the kids have moved away. If they’ve retired, they don’t see work colleagues. Here, they will get to meet people and do many different things.

The 50+ space will offer cultural events, entertainment, genealogy classes, arts programs, lectures, and fitness classes.  You can get help with your taxes, get to meet people and do the many different things currently offered by the Shoreline/LFP Senior Center. There’s a commercial kitchen for meal preparation. And there’s the pool.

This is an ideal time to integrate all ages into a true community center.

Vote Yes! For Prop 1.

Pam Cross
Shoreline


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Letter to the Editor: Vote No on Prop 1

To the Editor:

I want to encourage voters to vote No on Prop 1 and this is why:
- Combining parks with the building of the aquatic center is too costly and accountability gets lost with so many projects.
- The park’s projects are controversial- lose a space but gain a different space. The city council has not provided enough information on this.
- The property tax is too high for the average lower middle class. It becomes a burden.
- The seniors seem to dominate on the general layout yet many will not pay the full tax cost.
- The land acquisition is too costly especially when the school district can provide the space - think demolish current pool building and replace with new.
- Consider a model that generates profit and can lower the tax burden.
- The Snohomish Aquatics Center was funded and owned by the school district and was designed to make a profit. The city agreed to pay water and sewer costs while the intent of the design was to encourage public attraction, discounts for citizens paying water/sewage in return residents will get a discount on their bill when they purchase a monthly or yearly pass. The Snohomish pool cost a 22 million Not 100 plus million. They kept the public up to date and were very cost conscious. An example - And this
- Shoreline City Council needs to do more homework and keep our tax paying citizens in the forefront when making these costly decisions. Working middle class families don’t alway have the voice but you rely on our property tax for expensive projects.
See the article

Please look for yourself at other cities that built similar projects and you will see this is full of flaws and Not Transparent. The proper site alone is expensive, non-transparent, and located at a terrible spot that does not serve most residents. It serves Council members who want to take a swim in the middle of their work day!

Please consider what I’ve postulated and vote with your gut feeling. Take note the flyers put out today are vague at best and the Aquatic Center is the “carrot” being dangled. We need transparency and accountability so vote No and let’s have a single proposition for the Aquatic Center and keep costs down while generating profit!

Lisa K Beck
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: Consider the consequences of individual and community choices

Saturday, October 12, 2019

To the Editor:

Indigenous Day, replacing Columbus Day, occurs this Monday, Oct. 14, 2019. The history of the Seattle area informs on the relationship of whites and Native tribes who occupied the section of the North American continent which this nation claims as its boundaries. Native tribes occupied this land for more than 10,000 years, retaining its lands, waters and the atmospheres in pristine condition, living a healthy sustainable subsistence life style, and utilizing resources as necessary for survival.

In 1851 the Denny party of about 20 people landed at Alki point, soon followed first by scores, then by hundreds, then thousands and then tens and hundreds of thousands. As soon as white landed they began stripping the area of trees, selling them to far off places, filling in the tidal lands which once produced an abundance of crustaceans, hosed down hillsides, covered creeks, straightened the Duwamish River, and erected building after building, only to tear these down and replace them soon after.

Less than 50 years after whites arrived they wrote laws that discriminated against native people, justified their removal to small areas of land hardly the equivalent of their usual and accustomed occupancy, basically committing genocide against Native peoples, a pattern that continues yet today.

Now, 168 years later this land is covered over with concrete, asphalt, steel and glass, fresh and salt waters are polluted and poisoned, salmon are disappearing along with the iconic orcas, birds, bees, butterflies and other insects are becoming extinct. We have destroyed this incredibly beautiful and productive area of this continent with our commercialism and consumerism, exhausting and extinguishing all resources.

Now is a good time to rethink our standards and styles of living, and consider the consequences of our individual and community choices and their effects on the environment.

Gini Paulsen
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: LFP Vision is thoughtful diligent governance

To the Editor:

I encourage all readers to look at the Lake Forest Park Vision passed last Thursday by our current City Council: A bright ray of good news and thoughtful diligent governance!

I particularly like the focus on the metaphor of “A Village in the Forest”, defining the character and design orientation of the town center, reminding us that we need to make room for people as well as steward and conserve our natural canopy and water resources. It embraces ecologically sound principles and practices even as it recognizes the future challenges that will necessarily come in transportation, population density and the built environment of our town center.

This is good government! We’re fortunate to have a committed active City Council that is listening to and engaging with an active and committed citizenry. Now, let’s shake hands and focus on supporting the necessary conversations and legislation to realize the vision!!

Anne Stadler
Lake Forest Park



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Letter to the Editor: Lorri Bodi can offer better solutions

To the Editor:

If you have been following the events in LFP over how the Town Center will be developed then you are aware of the frustrations those events have caused citizens. What started out looking like an opportunity for citizens to participate in suggesting what features were desirable has resulted in a moratorium that puts the whole project on hold for six months.

It became apparent to citizens that the Council was promoting a range up to 1,500 dwellings to be built in Town Center, plus a huge 300 stall garage to service the numbers of commuters using Sound Transit’s buses; not to mention they spent $963,000 with consultants developing their plan and selling it to citizens at several public events. Amidst all the furor created with their actions, the Council cancelled 50% of their public meetings.

We need to use our voting privilege next month to put a new voice on the Council. Lorri Bodi can offer better solutions for how to move forward with not only Town Center but with other Citizen priorities; not just Council priorities. Lorri Bodi has the skills, experience and leadership to put our Council back on track. Lorri is not going to waste your tax dollars listening to consultants when there are hundreds of citizens to listen to with constructive ideas. Lorri shares our worries about all the increased density and horrible traffic LFP is threatened by and has no interest in increasing the problems. Lorri has no conflict of interest with developers or organizations that are promoting growth throughout our region as she understands that growth has to have a balance with the environment, not replace it with intrusive development.

The Council has handed the Town Center project review over to the Planning Commission which provides citizens an excellent opportunity to attend their meetings and offer comment.

Jack Tonkin 
(ex-Council and Planning Commission member, 52-year resident)
Lake Forest Park



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Letter to the Editor: Most excited about the splash pads

Friday, October 11, 2019

To the Editor:

I am writing in support of Proposition 1. The park improvements included in the bond measure are important to consider when deciding how to vote. Shoreline parks are a source of pride in our community. The proposed upgrades will bring needed improvements.

The feature I'm most excited about are the splash pads! I currently take our 2 year old grandson Lucca to Edmonds to enjoy their splash park and boy does he have a ball. I'd rather take him to a Shoreline park. I support Shoreline businesses, frequent Shoreline restaurants, and support my community whenever I can. I feel the same way about our parks.

I was a member of the Shoreline Parks Funding Advisory Committee. Our group felt strongly that park improvements should be part of this bond measure. The Shoreline park system is an essential service that provides quality of life, enhances our community, increases property values and promotes healthy living through physical activity. Like any asset, it requires periodic investments to maintain.

The joy of child in play at a park is hard to beat. The excitement of discovering new adventures through swings, slides and splash pads is contagious. Adults love the trails and trees. Let's make that available to everyone in our community through a fully accessible play area at Richmond Highlands.

Please vote yes on Shoreline Proposition 1.

Joan Herrick
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: The Chaste Tree, though beautiful, may be a risk to our natural habitats

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

To the Editor:

There was an article on Sept. 27th, (See previous article) recommending to add "Chaste tree" to our cities.

My recommendation is different.

With a quick search, using the name of the plant and the word "invasive" and I found this:

lilac chastetree: Vitex agnus-castus ... - Invasive Plant Atlas

https://www.invasiveplantatlas.org/subject.html?sub=14022

Vitex agnus-castus is showing invasive tendencies in areas where it has been planted extensively in landscaping, as in Texas. It can now be found in limestone outcrops and dry creek beds throughout Central Texas. The 'virtues' listed by nurseries and gardeners indicate that the invasive potential for this plant may be high.

Though our soil may be very different than Texas, a plant that will grow 4-6 feet in a season here (as stated in the September article), seems like it might not mind what the Northwest has to offer.

Introduced plants that escape the garden often threaten bio-diversity in our parks and along our waterways. Native Plant Steward Volunteers already have their hands full with Butterfly Bush, Yellow Archangel, Knotweeds, Italian Erum, Vinca, English Holy, English Laurel, Ivies, Black Berries, etc. Please don't introduce more.

Instead, before purchasing and planting... consider the risks and/or do a general search and/or consult our local experts:

Washington Native Plant Society
King Conservation District
King County: Invasives

You might discover some alluring no-risk native plants available for your project.

Ginger Hayra Gunn,
Washington Native Plant Steward and Interpretive Plant Walk Leader



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Letter to the Editor: Catherine Stanford for LFP City Council

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

To the Editor:

Catherine Stanford has served her LFP community for the last thirty years: ten years on the Planning Commission, two years as a Board member of Third Place Commons and a key player in establishing the Farmer’s Market, and almost twelve years on the City Council. Catherine was a strong voice in favor of the acquisition of 5 Acre Woods. Her dedication to our community is the very definition of experience.

The redevelopment of Town Center and the Sound Transit Parking Garage is a serious consideration for many of our neighbors and we want to set the record straight.

a. At no time did Catherine or the LFP City Council support the developer's proposed plan to build 1,100 new residential units at Town Center. Council recently unanimously voted a 6-month moratorium to allow the Planning Commission time to consider development impacts prior to making their recommendation to the Council for potential code revisions.

b. The current codes were adopted in 2006 by a previous Council. Those codes leave the city vulnerable to development proposals that are not consistent with the character of Lake Forest Park.

c. A large majority of LFP residents voted to approve ST3, which included a proposed Parking Garage and Bus Rapid Transit down 522. This was NOT a decision by the City Council, and they have limited authority to determine the final plan.

Catherine has the endorsement of the 46th District Democrats, State Attorney General Bob Ferguson, State Senator David Frockt, and many others. Catherine believes in open and transparent government; financial responsibility; preservation of our environment; and appropriate local development to enhance our community.

We urge voters to check the facts, and then vote for Catherine Stanford for LFP City Council, the one candidate who has dedicated her time and energy in service to our community.

Theresa Greco, George Piano, Betsy Piano, Hilda Thompson, Chuck Paulsen, Karen Paulsen, Marty Ross, Judy Altman, Jeff Altman, Linda Holman, Tony Holman, Norman J. Lieberman, Jeff Weissman, Janet Norem.
Lake Forest Park



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Letter to the Editor: Their Future, Our Legacy!

Monday, October 7, 2019

To the Editor:

On Friday, September 20th, youth from around the world and in our own community took to the streets to bring attention to our global climate situation. It is this generation, the generation of my children, that are now consciously considering not to pro-create, due to the unforeseen future that lies ahead of them and their prospective children. It was a strike to bring attention to us all.

At this time, I know we can do better with our resources. I think to afford 88.1 million dollars for an aquatic/community center is unthinkable. The resources that will be used to tear down houses to create space and be extracted from the earth to build, and then the additional resources that will be needed to maintain the structure, staff it, and potentially rebuild in the future is not where our precious resources need to go.

It has also been my experience that aquatic and community centers are not accessible to everyone in our community. It costs to swim. You need a means to get to the facility. These are limitations for many people in our community.

If our youth can make tough decisions like not pro-creating then I think we can make the decision to not build an aquatic/community center that does not serve our whole community.

I know we can think beyond what we are used to and use our resources to create or enhance spaces that are beneficial to all of us and support the belief that we give our children a better world than the one we were given!

I invite everyone to consider and reconsider their vote, and join in voting “no”, for their future and our legacy.

Meghan Peterka
Shoreline




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Letter to the Editor: Prop 1 is about far more than a swimming pool

Monday, September 30, 2019

To the Editor:

I am writing to encourage folks in Shoreline to vote in the upcoming election Tuesday, November 5 and beyond that to please vote for our new Parks, Pool and Recreation Center. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to make our city the friendly and viable place we all desire.

Prop 1 is about far more than a swimming pool. It is also about several other amenities that are really needed in Shoreline. One thing I am excited about is the indoor walking track around the perimeter of the double gymnasium. Many of us, over the years, have gone to the malls for the walking exercise we need and desire. Now malls are changing drastically and even disappearing so an indoor walking track will be even more necessary. Many of our citizens need a safe, indoor place to do their walking.

I hope you will consider this measure carefully and realize the many benefits it will have for our beautiful city. Please vote YES on Prop 1!

June Howard
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: Fees from a larger number of users will not offset the environmental impact of the new pool

Friday, September 27, 2019

To the Editor:

If the proposed pool was a replacement of the same size as the current Shoreline pool I would be inclined to vote for it. But the pool on the November 2019 ballot is a much larger Olympic sized competitive pool that will have a huge environmental footprint. Pools of this size take 630,000 gallons to fill. While a filtering system will be in place to keep the water clean, users will be taking showers before and after they use the pool to keep themselves and the pool as clean as possible.

An Olympic sized competitive pool will no doubt attract students beyond our two Shoreline high schools. Students from such places as Woodway and Kenmore, as well as from public Seattle high schools (e.g, Ingraham, Ballard, Nathan Hale, and beyond) plus local private schools will want to use this pool. The fees generated by the use of this pool by such a larger number of users will not offset the environmental footprint of so many people driving to this pool from far distances. The water consumption of this pool and its use comes at a time when thousands of new residents will soon move into the many Shoreline apartment complexes now under construction, and this population increase may well exceed amount of fresh water available, given the consequences of global warming.

For this reason I will not vote for this pool.

Gini Paulsen
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: Response to Dan Evans' Letter

Thursday, September 26, 2019

To the Editor:

In response to Mr. Dan Evan’s letter about the Shoreline pool, please consider this:

The current pool was built for use in the 1970s. If only it were about a new roof and a new boiler!

What about seismic retrofitting and ADA accessibility upgrades? And the need to reduce greenhouse gases with green technologies?

The fact is that system failures that staff must mitigate occur on a regular basis. For instance, recently when the alarm system failed, staff made hourly sweeps of the facility to ensure patron safety. A dysfunction such as this goes unnoticed by those in the water, but exemplifies what it takes to maintain our aged facility. Soon, band aids will longer work. We need to plan for the day when the pool just can't be fixed.

Furthermore, even if the pool were renovated, it would not meet the requirements of the Shoreline School District’s swim teams – they need more lanes and greater capacity for spectators. They deserve seating capacity for their families and those of visiting teams.

Nor does it meet the needs of seniors who rely on water aerobics and a variety of fitness programs for health and well-being. Specifically, for those who live most of their daily lives in wheelchairs, being able to float suspended in water provides a remarkable sense of rest and recuperation.

And consider that the current pool isn’t sufficient for those who want more opportunities to play in the water. A new leisure pool that caters to youngsters, even babies, will meet the demands of our young families. Features such as a splash pad and lazy river can turn a gloomy day into a delightful outing.

Finally, combining the aquatic and community centers offers many more ways to respond to the needs of those who reside (and vote) in Shoreline – both will serve multi-generations under the same roof.

Shoreline residents deserve an Aquatic and Community Center that looks to the future. Vote yes on Prop 1.

Robin McClelland
Campaign for Parks, Pool, Recreation



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