Support the school pool

To the editor:

When I was going to high school in Independence, VA, one thing we wished we had was an indoor swimming pool like Northwest Ashe High School. Since starting a family of my own, we have really enjoyed the pool. However, my youngest daughter wanted to have her birthday party at the pool last fall and could not because it had been closed. Extensive repairs must be done before the facility can be reopened.

There is a group working with the school board and county to secure funds to repair the pool. This group includes school personnel, county leaders, parents, and community members. In order to apply for grants, etc., community input and support is being sought. The pool is a tremendous asset to the county. For many years and hundreds of children, it has provided swimming and water safety instruction and is still very necessary. It has also provided hours of recreational opportunities that are so lacking, especially for our young people. Losing a facility like this would indeed be a tragedy. Community members may receive surveys to evaluate their interest in repairing the pool. If you have the opportunity, I would ask that you complete the survey and return it as outlined in the instructions. Or if you would like to show your support in some other way, please contact 846-0781.

I want to thank the school staff and leaders for their interest in restoring this much needed educational and recreational facility for our children and our county.

Vickie S. Young

Grassy Creek