Pace, Florida, is booming. As one of the fastest-growing communities in the region, the demand for family-friendly recreational facilities has never been higher. The announcement of a proposed YMCA for our community is exactly what we have been hoping for—a chance to come together, build healthier lives, and foster a sense of belonging.

However, to the disappointment of many community members, the current plans for the YMCA do not include a community pool. Pace and the surrounding areas of Northern Santa Rosa County currently find themselves in an 'aquatics desert,' with minimal access to swimming facilities for both leisure and competitive activities. Swimming is one of the most inclusive sports available and essential for personal safety, physical fitness, and mental well-being. Yet, our locality is underserved in this critical area.

A community pool would not only fill this void but also offer numerous benefits. It would provide a safe and controlled environment for children to learn essential swimming skills, support state and local swim teams, and encourage healthier lifestyles for adults and seniors. It would also increase property values and make Pace an even more attractive locality for families looking to relocate.

YMCA facilities with pools have been shown to attract more members and significantly contribute to a sense of community spirit. In other areas where aquatics centers were added, such as in Pensacola, both members and the broader community benefited tremendously. The presence of a pool could potentially open up opportunities for hosting swimming meets, lifeguard training courses, and water-based therapy classes, further enriching the offerings of the YMCA.

We urge the YMCA of Northwest Florida, the Santa Rosa County officials, and involved stakeholders to amend the current plans and include an aquatics center in the proposed YMCA facility for Pace. We believe this edition will bridge the current gap in aquatic services and greatly enhance the overall community benefits of the project.

Please sign this petition to show your support and help make a community pool a priority in the Pace, FL YMCA plans. Together, we can transform Pace into a healthier, more vibrant place to live and grow.