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Residents urge council to protect aquatics center amid YMCA talks and social media dispute
Summary
Multiple residents told the council the city’s aquatics center is vital to schools, Special Olympics and community life and urged the council to preserve it while council members discussed a potential YMCA partnership and social media moderation.
Washington, North Carolina — Dozens of public commenters told the Washington City Council on March 9 that the municipal aquatics center is a community asset that should be preserved amid talks with a potential YMCA partner.
Speakers at the public‑comment portion of the meeting described the pool’s role for school teams, disability sports and regular users. Makala Hoffman said the pool “means more than numbers on a page and provides a great benefit,” and Georgia Hayes Barwick called the facility “a vital part of Parks and Recreation in Washington.” Jonathan Willis noted his involvement in Special Olympics and that he trained at the pool.
Several speakers expressed concern about proposals for the YMCA to operate or partner on the pool. Shannon Russell, speaking for The Main Street Coalition, referenced a feasibility study on a potential YMCA partnership that Councilmember Joe Davis had emailed to council. A number of commenters also expressed opposition to a proposed $25 million charter school referenced at the meeting.
Councilmember Anthony Tyre questioned why the City’s Facebook comments had been turned off; Mayor Ellen Brabo said Interim City Manager Bobby Roberson and the city’s public information officer made that decision after Mr. Roberson concluded some comments were inappropriate. “Mr. Roberson felt some of the comments were inappropriate and directed the PIO to turn off the comments,” the minutes record. The City Attorney advised keeping the city’s social media policy unchanged at this time, and Mayor Brabo reminded the body that state law requires at least one period for public comment at each regular meeting.
The council did not take formal action on the aquatics center at the March 9 meeting. Several speakers asked the council to consider community uses and competitive swim needs before any change in facility management or programming.
