Dolphin Cove hasn’t profiled this group

Dolphin Cove hasn’t profiled this group

I am responding to a Sept. 7 story in which some staff members at Dolphin Cove Family Aquatic Center in Carpentersville were accused of racial profiling.

For the past 20 years I have served as the president of Evan’s Life Foundation, which serves children at risk. For 18 years, our foundation has taken part in an outing at Dolphin Cove each summer. Typically, 350-400 children from Chicago, Elgin and Carpentersville — the majority African-American — attend.

We never had a single incident that involved discrimination of any kind. Every child was always treated with respect and dignity. The staff, sometimes challenged by many non-swimmers, was attentive, patient and helpful with the kids, explaining the rules and responding with tolerance if problems occasionally arose.

In the weeks following our swim at Dolphin Cove, our foundation would receive several thank you notes and letters from the attendees and their families, calling the experience one of the best days of their summer. Year after year, the children looked forward to coming to Dolphin Cove and truly enjoyed their experience. I never heard one complaint of any kind.

In these past 18 years I have come to know Dundee Township Park District Executive Director Tom Mammoser through these outings. He is an outstanding individual who cares deeply about the welfare of young people, no matter what race; he worked exceptionally hard to make this a special day for my group. I also know Larry Moscato, superintendent of facilities, likewise helped provide an environment where our at-risk children felt safe and happy. These two men would never tolerate racial discrimination from their employees.

I speak for hundreds of children when I say our experience at Dolphin Cove Family Aquatic Center was one of quality fun and respect for all involved.

Pat Samata

Barrington