Letters to the Editor

Ritzville’s pool brings joy

I’ve lived across the street from the Ritzville swimming pool since 1977. My children and now grandchildren as well as myself have enjoyed the pool for these many summers! Last year the pool was closed due to Covid and that was one of the saddest parts of my summer. Hearing the laughter, splashing, whistle blowing and Marco Polo shouts was sorely missed.. Having the pool back open again this summer has been such a joy and a huge reminder of the necessity of a swimming pool. It is even more appreciated.

The pool is one of the very best things we have in Ritzville to keep our children busy, fit, swimming and socializing in the summer! It is a wonderful place for the children, families and adults to spend the warm days.. I can’t imagine not having access to a swimming pool in our community. I have been a visitor in communities that do not have a swimming pool or the ability to access one close by, it is not good for the children.

Please vote for our pool. Please support our pool. It is a tremendous asset to our community.

Callie Moore

– Ritzville

Vote YES Park & Rec, No. 4.

Talk to family members, neighbors, friends, new families to our community to seek their YES vote.

Let’s assure:

Swimming lessons, an essential safety skill. A child who can swim takes confidence with them into larger bodies of water all through adulthood.

Benefit for all. Exercise equals stronger bodies, more restful sleep, a good tomorrow.

Adult-only swim for uninterrupted lap swim, space for aerobic activity or low-impact exercise, beneficial rehab.

Water playground. Slide into the Fountain of Youth!

Social interaction. Find a friend, make a friend. It’s a gathering place.

Family and friend reunions. Where better to unexpectedly run into old friends than the pool? Mini-reunions of those living elsewhere? Three classmates, ten pool admissions with each one’s children believing their mom or dad grew up in the best town ever- all because of our fun Water Park.

Provides work experience to young people committed to become a certified life guard. I received a message before 6 a.m. from one eager first-time applicant asking to use me as a reference for application. Never discourage young people’s determination.

Imagine a couple, three, or four kids walking along. When kids head to or come from the pool, good things continue. Provide a healthy outlet for our youth. Our investment returns great benefits.

I recall miserable summers spent after closure of our earlier pool, followed by passage of the bond issue providing us our present Water Park, a jewel, an unbelievable asset for a town our size. Please support continued funding. Vote YES.

Harriet Lynch

– Ritzville