Imagine living in Washington, NC, where the Moore Aquatic & Fitness Center has been a beloved community hub for years. Your children learned to swim there, you've made countless memories with friends in the pool, and it's a place where people of all ages come together for fitness and recreation. Now, imagine that this center is under threat, not because it's been mismanaged or has failed in its mission, but due to misleading financial reporting and a looming threat of closure or a takeover by the YMCA.

Public statements claim that the Moore Aquatic & Fitness Center "lost money" creating a narrative of negligence and inefficiency. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. This alleged "loss" is actually part of a budget that was thoroughly planned and approved by the city, fully integrated into the Parks & Recreation's annual budget. It was not an unexpected financial deficit; it was a forecasted operating cost essential for maintaining our beloved community facility.

The Moore Aquatic & Fitness Center is efficiently managed and has an excellent history of operating under their allocated budget. The management and leadership have consistently shown fiscal responsibility, even excelling by using creativity and dedication to come under budget. This is certainly not a facility that deserves to be replaced or taken over based on inaccurate representation of facts.

Furthermore, this facility is not just a financial line item, it stands as a key pillar of our community. It provides services and facilities that are accessible to everyone, regardless of socio-economic status. Transitioning management to an organization like the YMCA could potentially limit access and affordability, changing the center’s spirit of inclusivity and supportiveness.

Our community needs facilities like the Moore Aquatic & Fitness Center to remain public, accessible, and under the same dedicated management team who understands our community needs. We urge local authorities to reconsider any plans suggesting closure or merger, ensuring our voices are heard and the true situation understood.

Stand with us to protect our community's heart and ensure its vitality for generations to come. Please sign this petition to make sure that the Moore Aquatic & Fitness Center continues to serve Washington, NC, without alteration or takeover. Your support is crucial to keeping this vital community gem intact and thriving for the benefit of all residents.

**Please note DO NOT donate on this petition, if it asks, skip over that and simply sign. Thank you everyone so much for your support!**