[Editor’s Note: Reopening the Natatorium, the indoor pool on the campus of Culver City High School, has been a passionate pursuit for several years for the School Board candidate. In recent weeks, he developed a petition, and he says hundreds have signed. Below, a sampling of comments.]
“In the '70s, the Natatorium was the most used recreational facility in Culver City. To allow it to sit unused as a warehouse is unforgivable. The School District and the city need to work together to reopen this facility. Generations of Culver City taxpayers deserve better stewardship of their investments. Shame on all elected and appointed officials who allow this to continue.” – Patricia McClellan
“If we really want progess, safety and healthy people, we have to give them opportunities. What can be better than reopening the pool? Instead of throwing our taxes on having more weapons, prisons and kids with obesity and others diseases, our kids deserve better opportunities and schools. We can and should do this for them and for our community. I don't have any more kids. But thanks to opportunities like this one, my son and my daughter are healthy, out of trouble (gangs, drugs) and are good citizens.” – Rosa Basurto
“This pool changed my life! Being in the water from the age of five through high school at the Natatorium kept me focused on my goals and out of trouble. I went on to coach a club team for 15 years. I am still teaching swimming to this day. This pool brought the world of swimming and safety to many students who wouldn't have had access to swimming classes. Please find the funds and bring it back for future generations.” – Annie Casaday
“This pool was in full operation while I attended the Culver Junior High School during the early to mid ‘80s. I strongly believe this pool ought to have been kept open to everyone. I'm so glad there's a push being made to get it back into operation mode!!” – Laz Gorte
“Please bring back the pool! The kids need it! Make our Culver City Schools better!” – Shannon Gaulding
“Many great memories at this pool. Swam AAU age group for years and swam for CCHS as well.
Can't believe that it was left all these years in such degradation. Hope it will again be a place for great memories again. I think swim meets make money? Or could.” – Penny Nakamura
“We need to make sure that swimming and water polo are available for our CCUSD students. We need to rebuild the Natatorium!!” – Ami Shilton
“I learned to swim here. I would love to see future generations of kids learn here, too! This was such an important part of my childhood and should be for every other child, teen adult in and around Culver City.” – Lisa Loi
“Yes, let’s get this going for the kids.” – Teri Hitt
See http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/fix-our-culver-city-school-natatorium-swimming-pool.html
Mr. Zirgulis may be contacted at zirgulisr@yahoo.com
