Magdalena Gorzkowicz
"Once a pool is gone, it is gone permanently, and the loss to the community would be substantial."
I am writing as a longtime YMCA member of 13 years and a daily early-morning swimmer. Swimming is the primary — and honestly the only — reason I maintain my membership at the Y. I was extremely concerned to learn that the demolition of the Valles Pool is being seriously considered.
Both the Forese and Valles pools are consistently busy, especially during morning hours. Reducing aquatic space would significantly impact swimmers, families, recreational users, divers, and the overall community. I fully understand that roof repairs may be costly, but I strongly believe the solution should be to repair the roof and preserve both pools rather than eliminate such an important facility. Once a pool is gone, it is gone permanently, and the loss to the community would be substantial.
Many members rely on these pools daily for exercise, health, stress relief, training, and family activities. The YMCA has always been a central part of the community, and maintaining strong aquatic programs and facilities should remain a priority. I respectfully urge the YMCA leadership to prioritize repairing the roof and keeping both pools operational. I also encourage greater transparency and broader community input before any final decision is made.