Since the pandemic, there has been no or very limited access to swimming for kids in Santa Fe. Currently, there is no access during non-workday hours. This is an issue of equity. Working families deserve a chance to take their kids to the pool!

On a recent Friday afternoon, the Genoveva Chavez leisure pool had reached capacity by 3:15pm, before opening for one hour from 3:30-4:30pm. Five moms with disappointed kids stood outside sharing stories of having left work early and picked kids up early from daycare, only to be turned away. There's no way to reserve time.

The city's excuse is always that they don't have enough lifeguards. What about raising the pay, eliminating the drug testing requirement - and developing a pipeline of young swimmers?

But the city also needs to direct resources in a way that ensures our swimming pools, and other recreational facilities, serve all residents.