Request for Locker Rooms and Full-Service Concession at the Aquatics Complex

To: Kings Canyon Unified School District Administration & School Board

From: Concerned Parents, Students, and Community Members

Subject: Request for Locker Rooms and Full-Service Concession at the Aquatics Complex

We, the undersigned, respectfully petition the Kings Canyon Unified School District Administration & School Board to approve and fund the addition of dedicated locker rooms and a full-service concession facility at the district’s aquatic complex.

Currently, student-athletes who participate in water polo, swimming, diving, and other aquatic programs are forced to change into and out of swimsuits in a public bathroom that is open to adults and visitors who have not undergone any form of background screening. This situation raises significant safety and privacy concerns, particularly for our minor children, who are left vulnerable while changing in an unsecured, shared facility.

In addition to the safety concerns, the current setup creates serious logistical challenges for our athletes. During swim meets, students often have only a few minutes between events. Asking them to walk all the way across campus to the main gym’s locker rooms is not only impractical but can also prevent them from properly preparing for the next race, ultimately affecting their performance. Therefore, this is not an option, which is why we need to provide them their own locker rooms connected to the pool deck. 

Moreover, it is important to recognize that our aquatics program has brought more championship titles to the district than any other sport, especially in recent years, and have put in the hard work to be deserving of this accommodation. These student-athletes have dedicated countless hours to training and competition, representing our schools and community with pride. They deserve basic, appropriate facilities that support both their safety and their success.

Beyond locker rooms, the aquatics complex also needs a full-service concession stand with kitchen facilities capable of serving hot food and a wider variety of refreshments. Currently, aquatics events are at a major disadvantage compared to other sports in the district that benefit from fully equipped concession areas to raise funds for their programs. By upgrading the concession facilities at the aquatics complex:

- Aquatics boosters would have equal opportunity to generate revenue during meets, games and tournaments.

- The program could host larger events, attracting more visitors and creating a better overall experience for athletes, families, and fans.

- Revenue raised could be reinvested into the aquatics program, reducing the burden on families for equipment, travel, and training expenses.

By adding locker rooms and a full-service concession facility to the aquatic complex, the district would:

- Provide a safe, secure space for student-athletes to change before and after events.

- Ensure equal treatment for aquatic athletes compared to other sports teams who already have dedicated facilities.

- Support the continued success and growth of a program that has brought significant recognition to our schools.

- Create a financially sustainable future for the aquatics program through concession sales.

We urge the district to prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of our students and the long-term sustainability of the aquatics program by taking immediate steps to fund and build locker rooms and upgrade the current snack bar into a full-service concession stand at the aquatic complex.

Respectfully Submitted,

Alisha Greenwell

1336 N Steven Ave

Reedley, CA 93654

559-480-9407