Union-Bulletin

I'm an eighth-grader at Garrison Middle School. Being a local teenager here in Walla Walla, I have heard about the idea of the aquatic center and all I can say is that I completely agree with this addition to our town.

Summer can be fun - a welcome relief from school and time to catch up with friends. Sometimes it can be incredibly boring. This is what a shiny new pool here would remedy by giving kids in Walla Walla a viable alternative to the Milton-Freewater and Pendleton pools.

A pool/waterpark in Walla Walla would have many benefits, among them would be the fact that it gives kids something to do that is readily accessible, and - for many kids - within walking/biking distance.

Secondly, it has a variety of facilities that are above and beyond those in Milton-Freewater, including a wave pool, splash pad, lazy river, pair of slides, kid pool and a play structure.

Milton-Freewater, by comparison, has naught but a kiddie pool, a play structure and two water slides, while the Pendleton pool lacks such attractions as a lazy river and a play structure.

In conclusion, despite the hefty $8.7 million price tag and the increase in property tax to pay for the pool, already over $1 million has been pledged by private investors and the pool facilities will be totally self-sustaining, with additional revenue generated going to the expansion of the pool.

The pool will do nothing but benefit the community, and give the citizens of Walla Walla a great new activity to enjoy in the heat of summer.

Cameron Peters

Walla Walla