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The following was submitted by the following eighth-grade students from the McCall Middle School for their civics project: Alyssa Peou, Audrey Houllahan, Carlos Nouel, and Declan Smyth.
The sun was blazing and the temperature was high; it was a perfect day to take a dip in a pool. Maybe you have a pool in your backyard, but for many, that is not the case. So, why not just head to the local pool? Well, because Winchester does not have a public swimming pool.
Winchester has abundant fields and playgrounds, yet lacks a public pool. Whether it be due to a lack of funding or interest, this is an issue. Swimming is not only entertaining, but can bring many health benefits to residents of all ages. There are countless reasons as to why there should be a municipal pool implemented in Winchester that is open for public usage.
How would a pool benefit Winchester residents? Swimming can improve your overall health, both physical and mental. Water exercise can have a lower impact, allowing for people with conditions such as arthritis to exercise safely. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) states that swimming can “decrease anxiety” as well as “decrease depression and improve mood,” highlighting the mental health benefits.
Winchester is diverse, with the ages of residents varying. While everyone is unique, swimming is universal. Having a public pool can bring people together and unite the community. Take a moment to picture this: children making friends, creating lifelong memories and still getting exercise. This is all while their parents relax, rest assured knowing that their kids are under the watchful eye of a proficiently trained lifeguard. Unlike most lakes or ponds, pools have lifeguards, also opening up new job opportunities.
If public pools are so great, why does Winchester still not have one? Some may argue that the pools Winchester already has is sufficient for residents, therefore the implementation of another would be unnecessary. However, these existing pools are not open to the general public of the town. Not everybody is fortunate enough to be able to access these facilities.
Has this topic caught your attention yet? It certainly has for over 2,000 supporters, and 650 donors of Swim Winchester, a local volunteer nonprofit organization working toward the construction of a public pool in Winchester. The organization has already devised an intricate plan for a public swimming pool.
Swim Winchester earned the support of several Winchester Select Board candidates such as Anthea Brady, Rick Welch, and also Karen Bolognese, chair of the School Committee. Evidently, there is no lack of public desire for a public pool.
Though this goal may seem ambitious, every effort counts. No matter how insignificant you may think your contribution is, persistent endeavors will lead to success. You can make a difference by spreading awareness of Swim Winchester, visiting their booth at Town Day, or even donating. Help foster the Winchester community; together, we can transform this dream into reality.
