The Vashon Seals Swim Team is willing to raise the majority of funds needed to get the Vashon Pool a cover so that it may train year round in a competitive-length pool that has starting blocks. It would have the added benefit of community access for more lap swimming options. With the help of the Vashon Park Distinct, this vision would finally be realized. As a swimmer and a taxpayer, I wholeheartedly support this effort.

I respectfully disagree with the comment in last week’s article made by Vashon Athletic Club’s ownership that the year round operation of the public pool would be a duplication of VAC services. I’ve been a member of VAC for years and will tell you firsthand the 20-yard pool is often overcrowded during the very times the county pool proposes its (year round) hours for community lap swim. The VAC pool is also kept at a relatively warm temperature: great for water-walkers or doing drills, not as ideal for athletes doing speed work or distance.

This effort is not another Vashon Fields scenario for the park district, and it’s obviously not part of another multi-million-dollar bond package for voters to bleed out more in property taxes. Ultimately, it’s a small investment for a big payoff. Operations and logistics have been well researched by proponents to run the pool effectively and cost-efficiently. Count me in.

— Heidi Skrzypek