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To the Editor: 

I am writing to voice my strong objection to the closing of Willard and West Campus pools. 

In addition to supporting the south and west Berkeley communities, which always seem to get the short end of the stick when it comes to city services, I believe that closing these two pools will do irreparable damage to the health and welfare of the whole city. 

Let me list a few reasons. During the months of November through April, when the proposed closure is scheduled, King pool would not be available during school hours. That means that workers and residents who presently swim during the lunch hour at West Campus would have no place to swim; this applies also to the many seniors who attend water aerobic classes after the lunch hour at West Campus. And where would the students from Willard swim during the day? 

King pool, which is already overcrowded during the after-work swim times, from 5:15 to 7:30 p.m., and on the weekends, would be inundated with the overflow from the West Campus and Willard pools. With so many more people crowding the lanes, the city would have to hire more life guards (an additional cost), preferably ones more vigilant than the present well-intentioned teenage guards. They are often distracted by homework, socializing, and daydreaming rather than keeping their eyes on the pool for potentially dangerous situations, especially when newcomers swim in the wrong lanes. 

At King there are problems that would be exacerbated by additional swimmers. For example, swimmers often have to wait at King while children are lined up to purchase sugar-packed sweets on sale in the lobby. Staff at King is often not able to keep soap dispensers filled. Staff leaves the floors sopping wet after washing them down, a hazardous situation.  

I could go on and on. My point is this: King pool is overcrowded now; more swimmers would make a very tight situation much worse. Also to think of the high school pool as a reasonable substitute is a gross misrepresentation since that pool has limited hours, is indoors, and is heated like a steam bath. Would you be adding hours and staff there? Then where is the saving? 

Closing West Campus and Willard pools is a poor judgment call. If someone is injured or drowns and the city is sued, the $75,000 you hope to save will seem like chicken feed. I urge you to cancel any consideration of this idea. 

Estelle Jelinek 

Berkeley