There is a current movement of community members who are working to save the old pool from being shut down, drawing attention its benefits to the community, and asking members of the community to step up and share our voices on the subject! 

As a disabled member of the Hibbing community, the heated pool at Hibbing High School offers me and many others a lifeline of warmth, relief, and rehabilitation. Its welcoming waters provide a rare opportunity for low-impact exercise and therapeutic activities, vital for individuals like myself who experience mobility challenges or chronic pain. 

The heated pool is not just a luxury—it's a necessity for our health, well-being, and continued independence. It is the only heated pool available in our area, and it serves as a critical resource for community education classes and various water therapy sessions. The community's demand for such a facility can be seen in the diverse range of individuals who benefit from it—from children learning to swim to seniors seeking gentle exercise or therapy.

Many studies highlight the significant benefits of water-based activities for physical and mental health. Water therapy helps improve muscle strength, joint flexibility, and reduces pain from chronic illnesses, among other benefits. Such benefits are particularly important in climates like Hibbing's, where outdoor exercise is limited for much of the year.

We have a unique opportunity to enhance the well-being of our citizens while simultaneously fostering a strong community spirit. Embarking on a collective effort to maintain this heated pool will ensure that people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can partake in its manifold benefits.

Let's urge the Hibbing public schools to recognize the immense value the heated pool brings to its community. By committing to keep and maintain the pool at Hibbing High School, we'll not only protect a cherished community asset but also invest in the health and happiness of our residents. 

Join me in preserving this essential resource by signing the petition today. Together, we can ensure the longevity and accessibility of Hibbing's only heated pool, creating positive ripples throughout our entire community.

Elizabeth M. Maldonado, Disabled community member

Angela Tresemer, Community Education Instructor