HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-03-26 Public Comment - J. Swica - My Vote is to use funds to support pool_updated aquaticsFrom:Jennifer Swica
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]My Vote is to use funds to support pool/updated aquatics
Date:Saturday, October 3, 2026 9:32:47 PM
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Dear City Commission,
Thank you for taking the time to review my email and consider how best to use available funds
to strengthen and improve our community. Our family strongly supports investing in
expanded aquatic facilities for Bozeman.
My daughter has special needs and has been swimming for the past 15 years with Brookies,
Barracudas, the Bozeman High School swim team, Special Olympics, and Bozeman Masters.
Throughout those years, we have seen firsthand how difficult it can be for the Bozeman Swim
Center to keep up with the growing needs of our community.
We would love to see a competitive aquatic facility that offers both 25-meter and 50-meter
pool options. During the competitive swim season, when local clubs are practicing and
competing, there is often very little space available for other groups. I coach a Special
Olympics team in the spring, and we frequently have only a few lanes available for 15–20
swimmers, and only once a week. Expanding the aquatic facilities would provide much-needed
space for competitive swimming while also allowing programs for swimmers of all ages and
abilities to continue.
A new or expanded facility could also provide:
A healthy, safe place for younger children and early teens to spend time and exercise.
A current or tension pool with space dedicated to therapeutic and adaptive swimming.
More opportunities for Special Olympics, masters swimming, youth programs, and
community recreation.
Concessions that could help offset operating costs. Splash Montana in Missoula is a
great example of how concessions can contribute to funding a successful aquatic
facility.
Who would use it in our family?
My daughter swims every week, and I love to join her whenever I can. Our elderly
grandmother also enjoys open swim and the jogging lanes. An expanded facility would truly
serve multiple people in our family.
Why is this important?
Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise because it is accessible to people of many ages
and abilities. A quality aquatic center would also give our youth a fun, healthy, and safe place
to spend time with their friends.
Bozeman has grown tremendously, and our community deserves an aquatic facility that
reflects that growth. A well-designed facility could serve competitive athletes, children
learning to swim, seniors, people with disabilities, families, and residents simply looking for a
healthy way to exercise and connect with others.
Most importantly, a community aquatic center can create a sense of belonging. Providing
people of all ages and abilities with opportunities to gather, exercise, and participate together
is an important part of building a healthy community and supporting overall well-being.
Thank you for your time and consideration, and the work you do on behalf of our community.
I encourage the City Commission to prioritize investment in expanded aquatic facilities for
Bozeman.
Regards,
Jennifer Swica