Endorsement: Yes to Lake Park pool questions

Lake Park High School District 108 is asking to borrow $8 million to build a swimming pool and to increase property taxes for its operation. The construction increase would cost the owner of a $300,000 house $12.50 annually for 10 years; the operations increase would permanently add $19 to the tax bill. The East Campus addition would house a competition pool with a diving well, a therapy pool and spectator seating, providing the district’s swimming and diving teams’ first home pool. The district pays $40,000 a year to rent pools and to bus the 100 participating students for practices and meets. Plans are in the works for swimming and water safety to become part of the curriculum. Lake Park’s would be the only public indoor pool serving residents from its six communities. Officials foresee park districts, swim clubs and health organizations using the pools for a range of programs. In short, District 108 would be building a community asset. For this and the enhancements the pool would bring to students’ education, we recommend voting YES on both questions.