My husband and I moved to PTC in 1995 when pregnant with our first child.  We joyfully raised both of our children here with good schools, golf cart paths, and a fabulous offering of recreational programs.  My husband and I were both Olympians and believe in all the great lessons sports teaches children and young adults.

Ironically, the popular sport that I won three gold medals in (1984) and held world records in for 20+ years is the sport that most lacks access here in PTC (and all of Fayette County for that matter)!  That’s the amazing sport of swimming!  It’s been hard for me to believe that a community like ours has existed with a bubble-covered, 8-lane x 25 yard pool, along with a small instructional pool, to serve the number of children and adults who could potentially benefit from aquatics programming.  The swimming team is limited to 160 kids during the winter months, high school teams are limited to 3 practices a week (and most of those practices are limited to half the pool), and learn-to-swim programs and Senior Sneaker programing is pretty much non-existent.

I am thrilled that the latest Recreation Plan for Peachtree City includes a new aquatics center.  I am optimistic that my fellow citizens will get excited over this initiative and encourage the City Council and City Manager to build the facility sooner than later.  In the last 5 months, the Kedron pool has been closed 3 times for emergency maintenance.  It has not been a well-maintained facility and will not last much longer.  On the other hand, if built correctly, an aquatics facility that offers cradle-to-grave programming, including: learn-to-swim programs; Senior water aerobics; a 300-swimmer competitive team; 5 high school swim teams; social programs like Parent Night Outs, etc, will not be a tax burden on the city.  There are many examples of aquatic facilities in similar size communities which actually run in the black.  Peachtree City needs an aquatics facility which offers ALL a healthy way to exercise and play, while being financially sustainable!!

Mary Plant