Commentary

DAYTON–The Dayton Chronicle is recommending a "yes" vote on the Swimming Pool District's Proposition No. 1.

We enjoy so many wonderful attributes in our community-one thing we're lacking is a swimming pool.

The current pool bit the dust-literally-in 2018. Pool decking had settled, the gutter needed cracks repaired, and the City Council voted unanimously to close it. After a year out of operation, the City was required to fill the tank with dirt. Subsequent estimates placed the cost of repairs in the same ballpark as a new pool.

Since then, summer recreational swimming for the youngsters in the community, swim lessons, Aquasize, swim team and more have not been possible here. Community organizations adapted by busing swimmers to pools in neighboring communities.

A swimming pool is also a huge contributor to life-long safety around water. People who learn to swim and tread water are less likely to drown when at a lake or river for recreation. The dividends swimming lessons provide may never be known because it's hard to say "see how many people didn't drown this year?"

Dayton's once-vibrant swim team, and its involvement in the local swim league, is sunk until the pool is replaced.

These and numerous other factors are positive reasons to replace the pool.

The Columbia County Parks and Rec Pool Commission, authorized by voters last year, is seeking a one-year levy of 20¢ per $1,000 of assessed valuation to fund the newly formed commission.

Vote "yes" for our community.