Last week there was an announcement that the two opposing swim teams would unify. Which I think is a great idea, but it also brings suspect.
The new aquatic center is set to open this Fall and there have been several discussions with the parks board, the city council and parks department staff on what rates would be charged. Did the swim teams think it would just be easier to schedule time and tournaments if they joined forces? And if so, how will this affect open swimmers?
I guess we will see.
A supporter of an outdoor pool at Spellerberg wrote and informative letter (to the Argus Leader) about the donations to SWIM 365 (Supporters of an indoor pool at Spellerberg);
All one has to do is review the list of wealthy, elite donors and developers who raised more than $125,000 in election support for their swim team children, none of whom are on free and reduced lunches in the school system. Certainly that money would have been better spent on purchasing an appropriate location.
I saw all kinds of problems with the location and project;
• No room for expansion
• No public vote of approval
• An outstanding quit claim deed
• An offer from Sanford to build a competitive pool at Sports Complex (they still may do that, in competition with a public facility).
• Spending re-paid infrastructure loans (the levees) on an entertainment facility
• The questionable millions in subsidies to the pool (will user fees cover it?)
And now we have two swim teams acting as a super power to attain pool time in the new center.
This project was built on a systematic, well orchestrated campaign of lies. We will see how that foundation holds up.