Dear Editor,
Recent information on ecological bacteria counts in Hawksbill Creek has me wondering about local accessibility to water for recreation. If wading in the Hawksbill is curtailed, then where can citizens safely enjoy a public body of water in Luray?
This past summer, the Town of Luray had to make “swim at your own risk” signs at Lake Arrowhead due to the inability to hire enough seasonal lifeguards. Today, citizens have to travel to Stanley, New Market or even Woodstock to find a public pool. Historically the county had three public pools: Hawksbill in Stanley, Woodland Park in Luray, and Page Valley by the National Forest Service. Speaking from personal experience, my fondest childhood memories were from Woodland Park pool where families, especially kids, gathered and recreationally had a blast playing in the pool or taking a break from the water by going inside to play ping-pong, foosball, pinball machines or arcade games. Community pools bring communities together.
As Election Day approaches, we prepare to welcome new town leadership. With the million-dollar Ralph Dean Park project funding obligation nearly fulfilled, it’s a fitting time to look ahead to the next decade. While the facility provides a great deal of recreational opportunities such as the playground, various sports fields, a walking trail, frisbee golf, and pickleball courts, it’s long overdue to seriously include a public pool.
The master plan for Ralph Dean Park always included a swimming pool and now, more than 14 years later, that debt will soon be completely paid off. Are we ready to begin the discussion to explore what might be possible? A public pool within town limits could be a collaborative effort with partner organizations, such as medical facilities for physical therapy programs and local schools to support the first-ever LHS Swim Team. It could provide an additional revenue source during ball team tournaments. A public pool would enhance the visitor experience and local residents would have a place for safe summer activities, fitness opportunities, celebrations, family gatherings, and a space to reconnect with neighbors — fostering a stronger sense of community and becoming another social hub like the Hawksbill Greenway.
Revenue generating programs like memberships, sponsorships, lessons, rentals and flexible pricing options for residents could help offset the expenses and ensure sustainability. Costs to consider include staffing, maintenance, and liability. However, public amenities like parks, pools, playgrounds, sidewalks, and streetlights aren’t meant to generate profit, they are investments in our quality of life. “Quality of life” is a complex phrase because it depends on other economic conditions within the community. When discussing quality of life, we must also think about education, healthcare, economic development, workforce readiness, and business growth. Some may ask, “How can I enjoy a good quality of life without earning a living wage?” As we have shifted away from traditional factory jobs toward an agritourism model, we need to do better at equipping our workforce with new skill sets for hospitality and service-based jobs.
Luray residents deserve a public pool and all the opportunities it would bring to the community. It ultimately comes down to a simple question: What do we want to provide for our children and future generations? If Ron Vickers is elected as our next mayor, I am confident he will give this topic the serious consideration it deserves. For example, exploring tax incentives for small businesses to encourage training and support local entrepreneurship. Let’s use visioning as a tool to unlock new possibilities. Can we start discussions about finally building a community swimming pool?
I believe Ron Vickers, as our mayor, has the vision to move forward and the foresight and energy to look beyond the present and help build consensus on what’s possible. How will Luray evolve over the next 10 years? We need to think boldly, considering how our community impacts our friends, our neighborhood, our schools, our jobs, our overall quality of life. As Matt Lehrman said, “The future may be unknowable, but it’s incredibly malleable.”
Luray Town Council can be the catalyst for forward-thinking, but real progress will require the involvement of residents, churches, and local civic organizations to bring ideas to life, and a mayor who leads with an open heart and mind. Ron Vickers has the experience, knowledge, and passion for the job!
Sarah Getz ~ Luray, Va.
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