To the editor:

Those of us who choose to live in this wonderful community do so with some things missing from the list of amenities that serve the South End of the island.

There isn’t a large selection of fast food choices or grocery stores open at 11 p.m. If you want to see a movie in a theatre you’ll have to settle for paying half price and two weeks later than your friends from town. A Home Depot, Costco or Macy’s won’t be the next tenants at Bayview.

All of these things my family and I relish and am proud of when I describe my home to off-islanders. However, there is one thing missing that we really do need and its time has come: a public aquatics and community recreation center. We already have top-of-the-line soccer, baseball and softball fields, a skate park, wonderful playground, concessions stand and hiking and running trails that are some of the best in the state; but nowhere to swim or gather for indoor recreation that is open to the public.

The parks and recreation board has voted to put a bond measure on the November ballot to ask voters living in the South Whidbey Parks District to approve a property tax increase that equals about $5 a month for an average property owner. I can’t think of a better use for my coin jar.

Like many of you who grew up in a community that had an active pool or community center, I was deeply and positively shaped into who I am by the countless hours spent at both the pool and Boys & Girls Club. With this proposed facility we will not only get the traditional six-lane pool where swimmers of all ages can dream of being Michael Phelps, but also a warmer “leisure” pool and water slide for swimmers and non-swimmers alike.

But it goes much farther than just water and fun. The community center part of this proposal finally delivers a truly public community gathering space for anything from yoga classed to team parties. Anyone for a game of backgammon or three-on-three basketball? Can you say rock-climbing wall and dance classes? Many of these things can be done in different spaces around the island already, but none of them all at the same place and none of them are public.

If you have ever lived in a community that had a successful pool, Boys & Girls Club, YMCA or public community center and enjoyed the opportunities and community that grew because of it, then please let other voters know how important it is to pass the measure in November. Thank you for your support.

Andy McRea

Clinton