HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-02-26 Public Comment - E. Kraus - An Offer to Donate + A Vote of Support for a Pool _ Aquatics CenterFrom:Elizabeth Kraus
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]An Offer to Donate + A Vote of Support for a Pool / Aquatics Center
Date:Friday, October 2, 2026 6:42:28 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Dear City Commissioners,
Thank you for the work you are doing to make Bozeman a better place. I would like to
extend a vote of support for the prioritization of a pool / aquatics center. I strongly support
water fitness for many reasons, some of which I have explained below, but I also recognize
the other challenges you need to tackle. I think Bozeman's need for improved aquatic
facilities should be addressed, at least in part, through private donations. I may be willing to
donate substantial time and capital. I am the former president of the Helena Regional
Sports Association, and I funded a full-time position to explore the feasibility of building an
aquatics center in Helena. That project is currently on hold, which has freed up some of my
time and capital. I would like to share what I've learned from that project with you. Please
feel free to call me anytime at 303-944-8173.
With that said, here is more color on why I am a supporter of an aquatics facility:
Learning to be a strong swimmer saved my life at least once when I was caught in an
undetected rip tide, and may have saved my life a second time when I was recovering from
a large tumor that curved my spine. I couldn't run, hike, or attend weight-bearing fitness
classes for two years. Like many active and healthy Bozemanites, I work from home and
rely on the gym and local running and hiking groups, rather than the bar, for my social life.
When I found myself without that healthy social outlet, I fell into deep depression. Luckily, I
found swimming and water fitness classes. I was able to keep moving despite my physical
limitations, and found community through the Masters program and local water fitness
classes. Through that experience, I met many people of all ages who rely on water's
gravity-defying benefits to manage their mental health and keep moving, regardless of age.
I understand you have asked the public to share their thoughts on the following:
What type of aquatics facility does Bozeman need?
I would like Bozeman to offer
a competition swimming pool with starting blocks to support the needs of local and
regional athletes. Athletes across the state currently travel long distances to compete
under sanctioned competition requirements.
A warm water therapy pool to support water fitness classes and swim lessons
A facility for children with a lazy river and splash pool. After learning about the cost of
adding a slide, I do not think that feature should be prioritized.
Who in your family or community would use it?
Everyone. My family understands the mental and physical health benefits of aquatic
exercise through every stage of life.
How do you currently use—or are limited by the lack of—local aquatic facilities?
I currently utilize the Bozeman city pools for lap swimming and water fitness classes. I am
limited by the lap swim and class times. I would especially like at least one lane open for
lap swimming at all times. I also frequently opt out of water fitness classes at the Swim
Center because the water is too cold. I would like to have the opportunity to swim laps at a
lap-appropriate temperature and do water fitness at a warmer temperature. I think having
two separate pools for water fitness classes/swim lessons, and lap swimming would solve a
lot of our problems.
Why do you believe the need is timely?
We have insufficient facilities to accommodate the demand for swim lessons, and our state
has one of the highest rates of drowning deaths in our nation.
Aquatic fitness is essential exercise for the aging population.
We have a mental health crisis, and water fitness is proven to significantly improve mental
health. This is especially true during periods of dreary winter weather.
We have a loneliness and an obesity epidemic. Aquatics centers provide a community
gathering space and encourage physical fitness.
To entice the next generation to raise their families in Bozeman, we need to offer facilities
that support adults' and children’s athletic aspirations and overall health. Our current
aquatics facilities fall far short of those in comparable communities outside Montana.
Thank you for your consideration and the time you dedicate to the Commission.
-- Elizabeth Kraus
Chief Investment Officer
MergeLanewww.mergelane.com
elizabeth@mergelane.com
303.944.8173