“Aesthetics vs. atmosphere: Yes to pool!”

Any opposition to a community pool is a real testament to the demographics of this town, dominated by the elderly and overworked. It sounds like everyone would rather save the money for something practical, like the cracks in our roads or some additional stop signs at pre-existing intersections, “just in case.” The majority of this town has no use of a pool, why spend the extra money?

This town needs more free outdoor attractions, and not just because the population is dwindling and the local economy is failing. The age of technology has placed society in an interpersonal drought.

That is, there’s pretty mediocre communication going on between us humans these days, primarily recent generations. We should start countering this “entertainment lifestyle” that’s absorbed our culture to remind people that they can still entertain themselves, and each other. We should be searching for more ways to bring people together -- away from TV, video games and bars.

A pool has innumerable perks. Besides being the home front for splash wars, it’s a place for locals to congregate and get to know one another in a non-restrictive and non-selective setting. It’s an escape from the scalding heat during these painful months when we’re usually confined to air conditioned buildings. It’s an excuse to throw a barbecue and feed some strangers, or play Marco Polo with your neighbors; make new friends, or make new enemies. It’s relaxation to those who can’t yet afford the luxury of a mountain view from the Jacuzzi in their backyard, and socialization to those who can’t find it elsewhere.

Yeah, sounds like a real waste of money to me… Please! Don’t spend the money on aesthetics, our town is beautiful enough! Let’s find more ways to bring it to life!