Valdese pool supporters voice frustrations over delayed pool project

In the eyes of many Valdese pool supporters, the pool is more than just a place to swim. It offers fellowship, a hub to share stories, a place to socialize, and overall, an essential way to exercise for those who typically cannot.

A group of dedicated pool and rec center supporters talked with a reporter on a cold, bleak Thursday about their frustrations with the recent council decision to delay the pool project.

On Jan. 13, the Valdese Town Council voted 3-2 to delay discussions of the permanent pool structure for six months to prioritize the public safety facilities project. In December, the council unanimously approved the project, which brought a round of applause from residents.

Gleaned from these conversations, many questions remain unanswered and concerns unheard. Among the group, it has been discussed to secure legal counsel.

This group attends classes/programs at the Valdese Recreation Center.

Elise Whisenant

“On average, there are few times when there are not 16 to 25 people … Even if there are 15-20 people, all of those (pool) lanes are full.”

Regarding the pool statistics that have been presented to the council, Whisenant said, “They do not include the SilverSneakers numbers.”

The SilverSneakers is a fitness and health program for adults over the age of 65 that is included with different Medicare plans.

Kay Wentz

“I do not live in Valdese, but I’ll come to the pool when I can, two to four days a week. I’ve had a knee replacement. It’s about the best thing for it.”

“I’m for putting the top on, big time. I like to spend more time than just in the spring and summer. It’s a very vital part of the area I live in. … It’s been so good for my knee and my health.”

Lynda Meadows

“I’m for it because of medicinal purposes. I need the pool for my exercises because of the operations that I’ve had and where I am now, I can’t do physical work. I can’t walk, I can’t run, but in the pool, I can do anything.”

“Companionship, comradeship: The greatest people are at that pool. You can talk, we laugh, we have a great time.”

Regarding going to other facilities, “I will wait (for the Valdese pool). It’s killing me to wait, let me tell you, physically it is. Valdese is very fortunate to have that rec center and that pool, when you consider other towns and places around here. … They’re very fortunate to have it and to run the risk of losing it or people, I find it very unsettling.”

“Maybe the people who are voting on this, they never had those things, but they don’t have to do those things. They’ve got other things to do with their time. But it’s us, we’re the people.”

Anita Gulsby

“They used to have a cover over it. … That was when I was 5 to 6 years old. They (parents) had eight kids, and we all went to the pool. That’s really my second home.”

“The thing is, everybody needs to do it (going to the pool) and enjoy it. A lot of seniors and teenagers, too.”

“The parks and rec is the heart of Valdese.”

Joyce Woody

“We all have filled out those surveys and we don’t hear back. … Where did that go?”

“This is what happens. We get shuffled here. We can’t go to this place and go to the pool, then we have to pay for another double amenity. I have to pay a whole year at the YCMA, plus I paid here. … It’s very much of an inconvenience.”

“These women, you should hear their stories. … They’ve worked so hard. It’s just heartbreaking.”

“They just pull the rug out from underneath you, when you get all your excitement and anticipations. Then you’re like, ‘What? Again?’ Nothing has been settled.”

Peggy Clemmons

“I use it every day, I had surgery. Especially before my generation and my age, they need the pool all year round for exercise and for rehab. The older we get with broken bones and everything, it really does help with therapy, physical therapy, and mental therapy. … It really has helped me.”