Resident praises Gladstone community center staff and adaptive swim trial during public comment

Justin Sanborn McMean, a resident of Oakview who uses Gladstone facilities, told the council on Aug. 25 that staff at the Gladstone Community Center provided compassionate, effective support during an interaction involving his two special-needs sons. "How can we help him through that situation? What works best for him?" McMean recounted an employee asking, describing a staff approach that involved the child in developing accommodations rather than merely asking for closer supervision. McMean said a four-week adaptive swim pilot produced "massive progress" for one of his sons, and he urged the city to seek ways to make the program affordable and sustainable. He praised lifeguards and staff by name, saying they maintain constant vigilance and interact compassionately with families: "They're always, always kind," he said. Mayor Smith and council members thanked McMean for providing positive public comment and confirmed the community center's role as a regional resource intended to serve Gladstone and nearby residents. Staff accepted his offer to follow up by email with contact information and noted that the community center will continue to operate programs and events, including holiday and family activities he cited.