To the editor,

I join with you and your publication (The Dayton Chronicle Commentary, July 13, 2023) that this community, Columbia County, NEEDS a public swimming pool.

Community members have been working hard since the closure of our beloved pool after the 2017 season. We are SO close!

This fall, Proposition No. 1 will ask voters to approve creation of a POOL DISTRICT, under the state regulations that guide Parks and Recreation Districts, RCW 36.69.010. Approving a district is CRITICAL to move forward to build a facility that meets the needs of our community.

A POOL DISTRICT can:

• Compete for grant funding to design and construct a pool.

• Seek funding through foundations, and legislative entities to support a pool.

• Establish fees, rentals, and use of the facility for participation.

AND many, many other powers, and functions to successfully operate a pool.

A POOL DISTRICT also includes seating five Commissioners whose jobs are to direct and administer district pool activities. We have seven dedicated, highly qualified residents who would like to represent a Board of Pool Commissioners. Any five would be great to resurrect our pool and YOU decide through your vote. PLEASE VOTE!

BUT – None of this works UNLESS the County VOTES YES on Proposition No. 1. Please support the effort to bring our pool back!

A community pool improves the lives of all residents offering water safety, youth and adult enrichment, spirited competition, and long-term health for all!

Lisa Naylor

Dayton, Wash.