The Tualatin Swim Center may soon be another victim of the recession if local residents don’t step up to help save it. The budget deficit faced by the Tigard-Tualatin School District means it can no longer afford to operate this facility or the district’s other pool at Tigard High School. Because of the potential for extensive (and expensive) damage to empty pool basins and shut-down equipment, there is no viable option to temporarily empty the pools until the economy improves. Without an alternative funding source, both pools are in danger of permanent, irreversible closure. But if you act now, you can help save them.
The Committee to Save Tigard-Tualatin Pools is working to create an aquatic district and limited tax levy that will provide permanent, stable funding to keep both pools open for the community to enjoy for years to come. The group plans to put a measure on the May 2010 ballot to create the district and a permanent tax levy of 9 cents per thousand dollars of assessed value to fund it. For a home assessed at $250,000, that’s about $22 per year.
Tualatin citizens can help save the pools by signing a petition at either pool or at any of the local events listed on the group’s website at www.savettpools.com. Petitions must be turned into Washington County by early September, so don’t delay. Upcoming fundraisers include wine tasting and sales at Garden Corner on Sept 19, and the Splash & Dash run/swim aquathon on Sept 27. You can also donate online to help fund interim pool operations and to help pay for election costs.
The Tualatin Swim Center is a well-loved community asset. The pool is used extensively by the public: from kids’ swim lessons to adult lap swim; exercise and rehabilitation classes to community-based youth swim and water polo teams; even rentals for families, parties and lessons such as scuba and kayaking. Even for those who don’t use the pools today, they are a desirable community resource that can have an impact on local property values. Pools are good for our community!
The Tualatin Swim Center may soon be another victim of the recession if local residents don’t step up to help save it. The budget deficit faced by the Tigard-Tualatin School District means it can no longer afford to operate this facility or the district’s other pool at Tigard High School. Because of the potential for extensive (and expensive) damage to empty pool basins and shut-down equipment, there is no viable option to temporarily empty the pools until the economy improves. Without an alternative funding source, both pools are in danger of permanent, irreversible closure. But if you act now, you can help save them.
The Committee to Save Tigard-Tualatin Pools is working to create an aquatic district and limited tax levy that will provide permanent, stable funding to keep both pools open for the community to enjoy for years to come. The group plans to put a measure on the May 2010 ballot to create the district and a permanent tax levy of 9 cents per thousand dollars of assessed value to fund it. For a home assessed at $250,000, that’s about $22 per year.
Tualatin citizens can help save the pools by signing a petition at either pool or at any of the local events listed on the group’s website at 
