I was excited to read about the Olympic Peninsula YMCA’s proposal for new aquatic and recreation facilities at Mountain View Commons and somewhat taken aback by the negative opinions expressed by Julie Jaman and David Goldman in the Sept. 11 issue, including opposition to replacing the current aging and too-short pool and having the facility be run by a “private corporation.”

From what I can tell, the proposed remodel is hardly a “luxury” facility, and I don’t see how you can argue that a recreation pool plus hydrotherapy pool would be “pools galore.” The price tag seems high, but Port Townsend and Jefferson County deserve a modern aquatic facility; the lack of one is why many of us drive to Sequim and/or Silverdale to swim at the Y branches there (did you know that if you join the Olympic Peninsula YMCA, you can use any Y facility in the country?).

Public-private partnerships are necessary for improving community assets and achieving community goals. Throughout the United States, YMCA branches—which are not-for-profit—are committed to values the opinion writers associate with the current city-run facility: swim lessons and lifeguard training, classes and events, and dedicated time for school swim team practice and meets, not to mention the Y’s recreational opportunities for all ages, special programs for those dealing with health issues, and a mission to develop the potential of all children and teens. And if our swim team had a beautiful new competition pool, they wouldn’t have to do so many flip turns!

Carol Cahill
Port Townsend