Dear Editor,

I understand the Township of Langley has the opportunity to build another pool in Aldergove, which is a real bonus for the community.

This legacy to the citizens of Langley will make for a healthy, vibrant community. The ability to provide the community a swimming pool that will function as a useful pool for many user groups is paramount when designing and building this pool.

The Township currently has two indoor pools, one in Walnut Grove that allows many different uses in the community to use each and every day, and the W.C. Blair Pool which has very limited use for community.

Healthy living is a big part of everyone's lives, and the Township must understand what the community needs when designing and building this new facility. Short term thinking cannot be considered when coming up with building design.

Pools, arena, fields, etc. do not have to be fancy, expensive, and over the top. The pool decks and change rooms could concrete, and not tiled; the roof does not need to be too high, etc. The cost needs to be in the space and ability for multiple users to be able to use the pool on a daily basis.

The Walnut Grove pool accommodates competitions in Langley. What is needed is another facility that can accommodate swim clubs, lap swimming, swim lessons, public swimming, therapy, seniors, and young children.

The W.C. Blair pool missed the mark in trying to accommodate the community on a daily basis. Rather, they built and operated a play/seniors pool that has a difficult time (it tries) accommodating many other users. Some inexpensive design items were not included, and therefore the pool lacks its potential.

A pool needs eight lanes to accommodate lessons, public swimming, and user groups. Having a separate space or tank for diving boards, a slide drop zone, therapy area, and water walking/exercise area will make for a much more versatile community pool.

I know there is talk about a portion of this pool being outdoors, but that is not really a plausible idea.

It would make for another pool like W.C. Blair, which does not do justice for the Township and the money that is going to be spent.

Brian Metcalfe, Langley Olympians Swim Club