HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-03-26 Public Comment - M. Rauber - Support for a new aquatics center in BozemanFrom:Meghan Rauber
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Support for a new aquatics center in Bozeman
Date:Saturday, October 3, 2026 8:09:42 AM
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Dear Bozeman City Commissioners,
I’m writing to express my strong support for prioritizing a new or significantly expanded
aquatics facility in Bozeman.
Aquatics are an important part of my family’s life. One of my children participates in swimteam with the Bozeman Barracudas, which has been an incredible experience for his physical,
mental, and social health. It gives him a place to exercise, work toward goals, buildconfidence, and be part of a team. I also regularly use the Swim Center for exercise and lap
swimming, occasionally practicing with the Masters team.
Unfortunately, our current facility simply cannot keep up with the needs of our growingcommunity. Lap swimming is limited by available hours and lanes, and the pool can become
extremely crowded during peak times and there are only so many people that can fit into thespace we currently have.
I would love to see Bozeman invest in a larger, well-staffed aquatics center that can serve
many different community needs. A 25-yard by 50-meter pool would provide significantlymore flexibility for lap swimming, swim team practices, training for competition, and hosting
larger competitions here in Bozeman.
I also hope a future facility would include dedicated space for younger children and families.An affordable indoor place where kids can play in the water, become comfortable around it,
learn to swim, and have something active to do year-round would be an incredible resource forBozeman families. Beyond recreation, access to swimming is also about water safety and
giving children the opportunity to develop a lifelong skill.
I believe the need is especially timely because Bozeman has grown substantially while ouraquatic facilities have not grown along with it. We hear often about the need for infrastructure
and more activities and spaces that support families, particularly families with children. Acommunity aquatics center is one tangible investment that could serve people across ages and
stages of life - from young children learning to swim, to competitive athletes, to adults lookingfor accessible ways to stay active.
I know the City has many important priorities competing for limited resources. However, a
larger aquatics facility has been discussed in this community for a very long time, and I hopethe Commission will consider making it a real priority. Our current facility is simply no longer
enough to meet the needs of the community it serves.
Thank you for considering this investment in the health, safety, recreation, and quality of lifeof Bozeman residents.
Sincerely,
Meghan RauberBozeman, MT