HomeMy WebLinkAboutAquatics Public Comment from Sherri Pearson 6-5-14From:Sherri Pearson
To:Agenda
Subject:Partnership with YMCA
Date:Thursday, June 05, 2014 2:26:48 PM
Dear City Commissioners,
I am writing to support the proposed partnership between the city of Bozeman and the
YMCA.
I am so excited to hear that Bozeman (finally!!!) has the opportunity to have an indoor
recreation AND aquatic facility right next to each other. As a parent of 2 kids, I find myself
always driving between places, because one child wants to swim, while another wants an
indoor or outdoor activity of a different nature. The YMCA would provide a safe and
nurturing environment for my kids to play, meet new friends and participate in one of the
great camps that they already provide, but in one place. With a recreation and aquatic
facility right next to each there, everyone in the family would be able to find an activity that
they would enjoy within the same facility, minimizing driving and road congestion.
The YMCA has a long track record of success when partnering with cities. It has been done
repeatedly over the years and across the country. In fact, this is the first community I have
lived in without a YMCA. Most of my friends and myself have had positive childhood
experiences with the "Y" and grew up with this organization in our community. The YMCA
teaches more than sports too.
I am also a school district employee and have had my children in the childcare program
provided by the district for the last 5 years. About 4 years ago, our child care program was
abruptly coming to an end due to budget cuts. At the last minute, the school administration
placed their trust and knowledge in the YMCA to partner with school district to run our child
care program. The Hawks Nest has been going strong now for 3 years and the YMCA has
done a tremendous job of successfully using the school district space to run a thriving child
care program. Dependent upon age, there is a year long wait to get into the daycare! My
children have learned to respect each other, show kindness to their peers and genuinely
love their daycare and pre-school. They are building life long bonds with their teachers and
peers that I could have only dreamed of as a parent.
Please give Bozeman the recreation and swim center that we deserve, right next to each
other. The "Y" has already proven their success in partnerships nationwide and right here in
our community with the Hawks Nest daycare. Please do not let this opportunity pass us by.
Teamwork is the best work there is. The city of Bozeman and the YMCA are a great team!
Sherri and Kevin Pearson
2810 Westridge Drive
Bozeman, MT 59715