Aquatic Center proponents speak of its benefits

With the variety of programming that would be available, the proposed $6.5 million aquatic center would be more than a new swimming pool for Fort Scott.

Aquatic Center Vision Committee member Amanda Hale said the new indoor/outdoor facility would provide many options for local residents.

"This Aquatic Center will not only provide wonderful entertainment for summer outdoor activities and pull visitors from other communities," Hale said, "but the facility can also offer year-round programming in the indoor pool."

Hale said that while the outdoor facilities can offer a variety of fun activities for area residents, the indoor facility, which would stay open all year, can also offer a multitude of exercise classes and other activities that will provide significant health benefits. Hale said those activities could include, among others, physical exercises and therapy for all ages, swim lessons for all ages, life saving and water safety courses, water aerobics courses, water resistance and strength training, swim team training and swim competitions, daily lap training, parent-infant water classes, school district physical education capabilities, heated water therapy for physical rehabilitation, water sports, synchronized swimming courses, pool games and contests and scuba diving.

Mercy Health For Life Director Tina Rockhold, also a committee member, said the number of programs the aquatic center could offer is "un-ending," and added that many of them would be beneficial from a fitness aspect. She said the indoor therapy pool would offer local residents an opportunity to receive aquatic therapy without having to travel out of town.

"I know a lot of people who travel out of Fort Scott just so they can go someplace that has year-round aquatic programs," Rockhold said. "What a benefit it would be to have that here, where people don't have to travel and spend the gas and money."

Rockhold added that the indoor facility would also allow people who like to do aerobic exercise that chance to do so in the aquatic center. And with the indoor facility, she said, those people wouldn't have to stop their training because of cold weather.

"There are just some things you can't do outside in the winter," she said. "That's not a problem with this aquatic center."

Hale said Fort Scott Community College has also expressed interest in using the aquatic center for various activities. Those activities include introductory swimming classes, lifeguard classes, CPR classes, water safety instructor classes, water aerobics for senior citizens and scuba diving classes. Hale also said that FSCC has expressed interest in using the aquatic center for its sports programs.

Committee member Kirk Sharp said the aquatic center would also be a good place for families and schools to conduct pool parties, birthday parties, kids' nights and family nights.

"We can also branch off several of these programs to create some more programs once the interest is there and the program is started," Sharp said.

Hale said that the aquatic center, even with all the programs, would still be a place where families can go to for some recreational swimming time, "no matter what the temperature is outside."

"Stay-at-home mothers and daycare centers can take infants and toddlers to the indoor zero-depth entry area to play in the water and enjoy the spray features," Hale said.

Hale said Fort Scott as a city would benefit from the aquatic center, as it will encourage more people from out of town to visit and stay longer in Fort Scott.

"Tourists who come to visit Fort Scott for the historical opportunities and downtown shopping will have a reason to stay longer or additional days to enjoy the aquatic facility," she said. "This will increase local business revenues as tourists who stay longer will fill up with gas, go out to eat and shop."

On June 5, Fort Scott residents will vote in a special election to determine whether their sales tax will be increased 1 percent over 10 years to fund the proposed water park.