I have been swimming for Special Olympics for years, and it has taught me the incredible benefits of the sport, not only to our physical health but also to our mental well-being. Swimming is more than just a hobby for many of us; it is a way of life. But recently, our opportunities have been limited. Previously, Sunday Swim at Upper Arlington High School (UAHS) was a cherished time for community members. The facility’s large pool with 10-11 lap lanes allowed adequate space for swimmers to practice laps, engage in water aerobics, and enjoy the liberating experience of swimming. This changed with the opening of the Bob Crane Community Center, which has only a four-lane pool.

While the Bob Crane Community Center is a lovely addition to our community, it does not offer the same capacity for swimming activities. The four-lane pool becomes crowded quickly, restricting lap swim opportunities and the enjoyment of many swimmers in our community. This situation is particularly concerning as Columbus aims to establish itself as a swim city, promoting swimming as an inclusive and accessible sport for everyone.

The expansive aquatic facility at UAHS, measuring 25-meter by 25-yard with ample lap lanes, is ideal for meeting the growing demand for swimming spaces, particularly on Sundays. Swimmers in Columbus, especially those who enjoy and depend on swimming regularly, would benefit immensely if UAHS reopened its pool for Sunday Swim. It is time to recognize the real potential and need of our community.

Columbus deserves to thrive as a swim city, and to achieve this, we must ensure that we have more indoor pools available for all. The need for spacious, accessible swimming facilities is paramount, and it starts by reinstating the Sunday Swim at UAHS. Please join me in urging Upper Arlington Parks & Recreation to bring back Sunday Swim at Upper Arlington High School. Let's make swimming accessible and enjoyable for everyone once again. Sign this petition and help bring back the treasured Sunday tradition at UAHS.