Rick Johnson
"Rather than demolishing an asset, please consider rallying the membership around the aquatics program through expanded offerings and fundraising."
My name is Rick Johnson. I have been a member at the New Canaan Y for just under a year. I am writing to express my sincere hope that the Board will maintain the Valles Pool and focus on growing the aquatics program, rather than reducing it.
At 61 years old, I have been a lifelong swimmer, including in college, and have coached age-group and Masters swimming. My wife and I recently moved back to Fairfield County. The robust aquatics program at the New Canaan Y was the #1 reason that we joined. The Masters program is strong and well-attended. On many weekdays (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) at 5:30 a.m., we have between 15 and 20 swimmers. This works well in the Valles Pool, but is cramped in 4 lanes at the Forese Pool. After the 5:30 a.m. group finishes at 7, additional Masters swimmers (5–10) swim together until 9. Others swim together on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sundays are also a big day for Masters swimming at 7:30 a.m. All together, the quality of the coaching and the dedication among the swimmers make for a very strong Masters program.
Both lap pools at the Y are jewels that should be cherished and utilized to their fullest potential. Having the Valles Pool is crucial to the strength of the aquatics program, allowing enough space for age-group swimming and diving, Masters swimming, and recreational lap swimming. The aquatics program is a tremendous asset to the Y and community and could be expanded to fill any usage gaps. Limiting the aquatics program seems short-sighted and a waste of potential.
As an organizational psychologist, I help organizations develop thoughtful leadership, including through change processes. The process of considering a drastic change that will affect so many members and the community, such as decommissioning a pool, should be transparent and inclusive, especially at a community-oriented facility. Rather than demolishing an asset, please consider rallying the membership and community around the aquatics program by expanding offerings and through fundraising. I would gladly join and promote this effort.