In reply to 'Get real' (letters May 30), in which he gives his opinion of why Kaitaia ratepayers should not be burdened with the costs of a heated swimming pool. There are many reasons why Kaitaia desperately needs this facility.
Every ratepayer will probably have one ortwo in their family of the following people who will benefit from a heated swimming pool, as follows - toddlers learning to swim, children in the swimming club (especially those in training for competition), bored youth giving somewhere for them to go, the increasing number of obese and elderly for gentle therapeutic exercise, those recovering from hip and knee replacement, strokes and other medical problems, sports people for general fitness, and generally a place where families can gather and have fun all year-round.
The vision for this pool is to be built in the much-needed sport hub on Moerua Park, south of town, between the already established netball courts and rugby league fields, bordered by the A & P showgrounds. Cricket, football and athletics are joining in the plan as well, thus centralising much of the sport in the area.
This whole sport and recreation concept will also draw outside people to the area, be it for employment, retirement or tourism; we can only benefit from this.
Sure there will be a targeted rate, but one that will be affordable. The benefits for a happy, healthy community far outweigh any extra costs in the future.
There is already a large groundswell of support from the public for the indoor heated swimming pool, and I hope those still unconvinced will be able to see the benefits of the wider picture for the future.
Please, it is not that we can't afford it but that we can't afford not to have it.
