HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-24-22 Public Comment - J. Boyer - Pool CrisisFrom:Jennifer Boyer
To:Agenda; Christopher Coburn; Terry Cunningham; Cyndy Andrus; Jennifer Madgic; I-Ho Pomeroy; Jeff Mihelich
Cc:Chris
Subject:POOL CRISIS
Date:Tuesday, May 24, 2022 7:03:43 AM
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To the City Commission.
As the parents of an avid and gifted swimmer we are sadly disappointed, but not
surprised at the latest failure in the City’s management of the Bozeman Swim
Center. During the past few years, we have endured numerous episodes of
mismanagement, from sudden and inexplicable schedule changes, staffing
shortages, maintenance issues, and what appears to be a general lack of interest
in the success and safety of of our aquatics community — swim teams, learners,
boaters and the swimming public in general.
Despite this, we have been able to find and retain the most incredible and
dedicated staff and volunteer coaches and assistants, including our Gold
Medalist head coach, Hans Dersch and coach Matt Yovich, who both bring a
lifetime of swimming for the benefit of the kids. Along with the rest of the
coaching community across the county for private coaching, High School and
clubs many, many students have found a community of acceptance where they can
thrive and improve. Swimming is one of the most inclusive activities for students
and adults with disabilities and offers family friendly recreation that is
economically attainable for almost all. But, you need water to accomplish this and
now our community has none.
Our son, like many, has found his community, his extended family, and his talent
on the swim team. For him, it has provided SIGNIFICANT physical and MENTAL
health benefits that have supported his growth and development overcoming
behavior regulation challenges and finding confidence. Swimming has become part
of his identity and community and we know how critical these things are for
teenagers. As a freshman at Bozeman High, he has been focused on swimming to
the extent that he is looking ahead to make swimming a part of his college
career.
The consistent inattention to staffing, managing and maintaining a relatively
simple facility clearly demonstrates the need for a completely new approach to
the Swim Center going forward. Good government recognizes when it is time to
manage facilities and programs internally and when it is better to contract these
services outside of government. We have great examples of this already in our
community. Right now, in our aquatics community there exists not only the skills
and experience, but a profound desire to manage the facility for the benefit of
the entire community. It is obvious the City of Bozeman cannot manage this
facility and should make plans to not only have it operational as soon as possible
but prepare to transfer management upon re-opening.
The swim community has been advocating partnership and changes for years.
We are here to solve problems.
We are absolutely crushed by the current situation.
We have been working on other alternatives and expanding training opportunities
in our community but these take time, so we need this sole facility to be
functional.
It is NOT JUST THE SWIM TEAMS, learners and boaters and every
demographic in our community benefits from the swim center to maintain health
and be safe in and around water (and there is a lot of cold, swift water
surrounding us).
Please help us, and other parents, tell our children that the city is not going to
let the incredible achievements of the swimming community go to waste.
We look forward to your swift and immediate action,
Jennifer and Chris Boyer
Jennifer Boyer(she/her/hers)boyerfarm51@gmail.com
www.farm51.farm406-539-3006