David Kirby

I have been a member of the New Canaan Y for 52 years and have loved its facilities and programs for myself as well as for our children from when they were mere youngsters. I still feel that way about the Y and enjoy seeing so many young (and older) families taking advantage of its many programs.

I have served on the Y Board for a total of 16 years, over two periods of time, with the last ending in 2017. As a former civil engineer, Masters swimmer and member of the Y, I was involved in the renovation project of the Y in 1978–1980 and what became the Valles Pool. As a Y Board member during the most recent renovation (roughly 2014–2017), I was actively involved in that project, serving on the Finance, Building and Pool Committees, and working closely with the architects and consultants.

Having only just heard last week of the new project now under study and in consultation with outside parties, I had a phone call with the Executive Director, in which I expressed my interest in volunteering to assist with the new project. I mentioned my relevant experience to the projects mentioned above, both of which pre-date her role with the Y.

The Valles Pool was built because the existing 4-lane pool (dating to the early 1960s) could not accommodate demand. Through the generosity of the Valles family, who led donations, the pool was built to meet three criteria: at least six lanes; a diving well to accommodate diving and synchronized swim programs; and dimensions sufficient for sanctioned aquatic events. The actual build delivered 7-foot-wide lanes and a 13-foot-deep diving well.

When the Forese Pool was built, no one involved was bothered that it did not meet high school swim or diving standards because the Y had the Valles Pool — the competition pool — which met, and continues to meet, the standards for swimming and diving events. The Valles Pool continues to serve a vital purpose by providing an additional six lanes and a diving well for various aquatic programs. Without the Valles Pool, the New Canaan Y would not be able to offer the breadth and scope of the aquatic programs it does.

I write in support of pausing any consideration of demolition, communicating openly with members, sharing the facts, and creating a transparent process for community input before any decision is made. The Valles Pool matters. The aquatics community matters. And the members who have supported this YMCA deserve to be heard.