HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-09-17 Public Comment - C. Henson - Swim Center BulkheadFrom:craig henson
To:Agenda
Subject:Bozeman Swim Center Pool Bulkhead
Date:Wednesday, August 9, 2017 9:27:58 PM
To whom It may Concern:
I would like to comment on the decided installation of the new bulkhead in the swim center pool.
I am a four day a week pool user, annual pass purchaser, Bozeman Master swimmer and Bozeman city
tax payer. Like many other pool users, I was informed that the bulkhead was going in during the annual
pool maintenance with out any user input for or against it's installation. I personally am strongly against
the install of the bulkhead and feel that it will do little to remedy the demand that the pool resource is
facing. The City of Bozeman could have easily polled pool users of their preferences or initiated a
comment period about the installation of the bulkhead. If the majority of users were in support of the
bulkhead the decision to support its install would be inarguable. While I do support youth and high school
swimming programs, the truth is the pool is equally utilised by Adult patrons. Adult patrons pay the bills,
taxes and vote. My casual polling of adult patrons reflects that they are completely against, and not even
aware about, the installation of the bulkhead. Adult patrons are mainly interested in swimming long
course as is provided by the 50 meter format. By installing the bulkhead you are basically providing the
same number of lanes in a smaller format; i.e. there will be little to no demand or interest in swimming in
the remainder 25 yard lanes. Sadly, the pool was not designed with 25 meter width and 50 meter length.
Traditional short course season is September to March; it is rumored that the bulkhead will be left in
place from September to June. June, July and August are limited in access to the pool already as the
pool is not open on Sunday. I would use the pool on Sunday in the summer, just as I do in the rest of the
year. That is a separate complaint. Having access to a 50 meter pool is an uncommon and special
resource. It is a shame that some has decided to limit the access to that resource when the demand is so
great.
Craig Henson
101 Aylsworth Ave.
Bozeman Mt. 59715
406-922-1459