HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-02-26 Public Comment - H. Dersch - Vote of Indifference for a Pool _ Aquatics CenterFrom:Hans Dersch
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Vote of Indifference for a Pool / Aquatics Center
Date:Friday, October 2, 2026 8:35:58 PM
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 Commission,
"It won't matter."
That's what a 30-year resident and user of the Bozeman Aquatics facility told me.
"You're one of a long line of people who know a lot about swimming who've come toBozeman and you think they just don't know, or they just don't understand swimming, and if
you explain it to them it will get better," she continued, "it won't."
She has moved away to find a place more welcoming.
Why shouldn't Bozeman have aquatics at least on par with Butte, or Billings? Their pools areopen on weekends. Bozeman's coffers overflow with massive tax revenue, fueled by increased
tax rates and unlimited new growth. So why not a new pool?
For the same reason it creates (but doesn't maintain) bike paths to nowhere. For the samereason the current pool sits empty all weekend. For the same reason Bozeman high schoolers
have to be bused across Montana instead of competing in their home pool. For the samereason the City can't provide sufficient swim lessons, yet prohibits qualified private instructors
from providing them. For the same reason it sponsors and funds an organization which attractshomeless drug addicts. For the same reason third world immigrants are given free busing to
grocery stores.
If you could snap your fingers and a brand new world-class Aquatics Center would magicallyappear in Bozeman, it would sit empty and unused, dismal, hostile, and unwelcoming, just as
the current one does.
You're likely quite aware of the deficiencies among City Park staff, yet elected officials can donothing to improve it.
Thank you,