6 replies to this topic

[PJF]

Almost every morning for the past three months my daughter (3 1/2 yrs old) has asked me if she could go swimming that day. My usual reply is, "at the end of May when the pool opens, we can go." The pool opening is something we have anticipated for quite sometime. For the past 3 years we would go in the evening several times a week all summer long. I went online the other day to find out about purchasing a family pass to the Folsom Aquatic Center for the summer. I was extremely disappointed to learn that the hours have changed, and now the pool closes at 6:30pm. How hard is it to employ a few life guards an extra hour? In the summer, the sun does not set for 3 more hours, and it's still hot outside.

When the pool opened several years ago, I was one of the first regular lap swimmers and enjoyed it quite a lot. Then over time, the lanes kept getting cut and given to the various swim teams and the lap swim hours were cut too. It got to the point that it was no longer fun and dodging between the diehard x-competitors and the floaters was a real challenge. After having kids, I found myself at the other end of the pool area.

Is there anyone else who is upset about this too?

[dori2u]

The first year it was open we purchased a family membership but then the hours changed and it just wasn't worth it. They don't open until 12:30 and they close much too early. Someone told me it was because they couldn't afford to have longer shifts. The longer shifts would cause them to have to have lunch periods which created a need for more staffing...etc. Also, if you don't get there right when it opens, which means standing in line in the hot sun, you can't get a spot with a chair.

[Darthvader]

The first year it was open we purchased a family membership but then the hours changed and it just wasn't worth it. They don't open until 12:30 and they close much too early. Someone told me it was because they couldn't afford to have longer shifts. The longer shifts would cause them to have to have lunch periods which created a need for more staffing...etc. Also, if you don't get there right when it opens, which means standing in line in the hot sun, you can't get a spot with a chair.

The aquatic center is a huge asset to the community. How long do you really need to swim? Isn't 6 hours enough? Now you'd like night swimming as well? Geesh, I guess you and PJF would find something to complain about if you won the lottery too right?

[PJF]

The aquatic center is a huge asset to the community. How long do you really need to swim? Isn't 6 hours enough? Now you'd like night swimming as well? Geesh, I guess you and PJF would find something to complain about if you won the lottery too right?

It's funny - When I asked my husband how to post something on the Folsom forum that was of real concern to me and my family and wanted input from my fellow Folsom residents, his only comment was, "watch out...DarthVader will have some stupid comment about what ever is said". I guess he was right, as the above comments do not add any intelligent thought to the discussion.

The intent of my original email was to raise awareness of the time changes at the Aquatic center and ask residents to contact the city if you disapprove. I did, and received a response back from the Recreation Supervisor who said he would be forwarding my concerns on to the city. He was looking into gathering as much public input as possible... Well, if you disapprove, let's give them our input! This is our community. Darth Vader was right in one thing... The Aquatic Center is a huge asset to our community. I think we should continue expecting the same high quality programs as we have always had. When we start cutting programs and services that benefit our children, that starts to concern me.

Although I should let the flippant comments from Mr. or Ms. Vader go...and chalk it up to just plain ignorance, I feel I should address it. Those of us who do not live alone with nothing better to do then bug other people on the Folsom forum have actual families to care for. Our children do not swim for 6 hours straight. They do need to eat, and at least in my case, take good quality naps during the day. We have other family activities that we are involved in as well. I guess their new hours would work if I cut these activities from my children's lives, but I guess I'm not that kind of mom. Would you be concerned if your internet provider cut down the hours you were able to be online and you would be limited to the number of residents you could bug in a day?

PS. 6:30 - 7:30 is not night swimming. If you actually got off your computer and looked outside, the sun is still up until after 9 in the summer and it is still hot. I don't know what your youth was like, but my children will not be spending theirs sitting inside staring at a black box with no real interaction with the real world.

Also, we don't play the lottery. It's a waste of money.

[EDH Jen]

I know it's a bit further to drive, but the CSD Pool in EDH has better hours (Daily, 12:00PM-3:30PM, 6:30PM-8:30PM, Saturdays & Sundays 12:PM-5:00PM, and Holidays, 12:00PM-4:00PM).
There are 2 diving boards, a zero-entry beach area, wading pool for little ones, lap swimming, shaded areas, lounge chairs, tables, snack bar, etc.

[tessieca]

Budget cuts have hit the city too. Andy Morin is a big supporter of the aquatic facility and is trying to find a way to have longer hours, more months of operation. If he calls, support him.

[Darthvader]

It's funny - When I asked my husband how to post something on the Folsom forum that was of real concern to me and my family and wanted input from my fellow Folsom residents, his only comment was, "watch out...DarthVader will have some stupid comment about what ever is said". I guess he was right, as the above comments do not add any intelligent thought to the discussion.

The intent of my original email was to raise awareness of the time changes at the Aquatic center and ask residents to contact the city if you disapprove. I did, and received a response back from the Recreation Supervisor who said he would be forwarding my concerns on to the city. He was looking into gathering as much public input as possible... Well, if you disapprove, let's give them our input! This is our community. Darth Vader was right in one thing... The Aquatic Center is a huge asset to our community. I think we should continue expecting the same high quality programs as we have always had. When we start cutting programs and services that benefit our children, that starts to concern me.

Although I should let the flippant comments from Mr. or Ms. Vader go...and chalk it up to just plain ignorance, I feel I should address it. Those of us who do not live alone with nothing better to do then bug other people on the Folsom forum have actual families to care for. Our children do not swim for 6 hours straight. They do need to eat, and at least in my case, take good quality naps during the day. We have other family activities that we are involved in as well. I guess their new hours would work if I cut these activities from my children's lives, but I guess I'm not that kind of mom. Would you be concerned if your internet provider cut down the hours you were able to be online and you would be limited to the number of residents you could bug in a day?

PS. 6:30 - 7:30 is not night swimming. If you actually got off your computer and looked outside, the sun is still up until after 9 in the summer and it is still hot. I don't know what your youth was like, but my children will not be spending theirs sitting inside staring at a black box with no real interaction with the real world.

Also, we don't play the lottery. It's a waste of money.

Maybe you could point out in your original post where your "call for awareness" was and the "drive to write the city" and complain? All you posted was complaints. And you want them to add staffing so the pool will work around you and your 4 yr old's schedule of naps and play time? It's apparent that there are too many people/groups trying to use the pool for swimming, swim teams, kayak lessons, etc. Personally I think they do a good job of providing access to everybody. Obviously you don't and I wish you well in your campaign for longer hours that will fit your tight schedule.