I am a resident of Duffield, VA, and like many others in our community, the closure of the swimming pool at Natural Tunnel State Park has deeply affected us. Our children no longer have a nearby place to swim and enjoy their summer days. This pool was not just a recreational spot; it was where our children learned to swim, made friends, and created lifelong memories.

Moreover, this closure has left many teenagers in our community unemployed. These young individuals relied on jobs at the pool for their summer income - lifeguards, concession stand operators and maintenance staff are now without work.

According to data from Virginia's Department of Conservation & Recreation (2019), Natural Tunnel State Park attracted over 250k visitors annually before its closure. The swimming pool was one of its main attractions especially during summer months when visitation peaked.

Reopening this facility will not only provide recreational opportunities for local families but also employment for our youth. It will also attract more visitors which can boost local businesses that rely on tourism.

We urge the authorities responsible for managing Natural Tunnel State Park to reconsider their decision and reopen the swimming pool as soon as possible. Please sign this petition if you support reopening the swimming pool at Natural Tunnel State Park.