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Michael Barklay is recovering from major back surgery and, leaning on a walker, he took careful steps towards the steaming warm water pool at Berkeley High School.  

Barklay was a paraplegic for 37 days and, though he still relies on a wheelchair, is beginning to walk again. Once he is submerged up to his neck his body is partially released from the painful pull of gravity. 

Barklay spends three evenings a week at the pool and regards the free facility as a God-send. 

“This is the only place I can go to exercise,” he said.  

If voters pass Measure R on Nov. 7, more people like Barklay will be able to use the two indoor water pools which will be modernized with $3.5 million of general obligation bonds. Those bonds would cost homeowners an average of $4 per year. Operation of the two indoor warm water pools (one pool is heated to approximately 85 degrees and the other 92 degrees) will be turned over to the city which will modernize the 70-year-old facility so that pool programs can be expanded and more accessible. Currently there are programs seven days a week for seniors (age 55 and older) and disabled swimmers of all ages. The pool is also used by those who are rehabilitating from injuries or recovering from surgery.