I am a high school coach and a former lap swimmer at the Shawnee State University pool. This facility has been an integral part of my life, as well as the lives of many others in Scioto County, Ohio. Recently, scheduling changes have drastically reduced public access to this vital community resource. Afternoons are now off-limits for public swimming, lane availability for local high schools has been halved, and certain teams are prohibited from practicing on Fridays.

These changes not only affect me personally but also impact our community's health and well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), swimming is one of the most effective ways to maintain physical health across all age groups. Moreover, it's a crucial part of our local high schools' sports programs that foster teamwork and discipline in our youth.

The pool at Shawnee State University is more than just a facility; it's a hub for community interaction and personal development that should be accessible to everyone who wishes to use it. We urge Shawnee State University administration to reconsider these scheduling changes that limit access so severely.

Please sign this petition if you believe in restoring full access to the pool at Shawnee State University for both public use and school activities alike.