Fill in swim pool for a water park

I write as an authority on aquatic facility management and recreation and park administration due to my 12 years in aquatic facility operations and management and role as a professor of recreation and park administration.

The Urbana Park District has been studying Crystal Lake Pool's future since I moved here in 2001. The West Urbana neighborhood and other stakeholders – swim team families – advocate the renovation and reconstruction of the pool.

The district simply cannot afford to both build and maintain such a facility. In addition, the supply of outdoor aquatic facilities in C-U is exemplary relative to comparable areas: Sholem, Spaulding and UI Campus Recreation' outdoor pool more than satisfy the population' needs.

The district is positioned to spend more of its precious budget studying this issue for the third time since 2001, I believe. Those funds are better used supporting higher priority items such as positive youth development and reduction in risky behavior by Urbana youth.

This is especially important in lieu of the perceived rise in violent crimes. As a citizen and a park and recreation administration educator and professional, I urge the district to fill in the pool, build a wonderful water/spray-playground and make Crystal Lake Park more user friendly for the families adjacent to it.

Dr. LAURA PAYNE

Urbana