Residents and YMCA urge Mt. Vernon council to consider six‑lane competition pool and partnerships

Several residents and a YMCA representative urged the Mt. Vernon City Council during public comment on April 13 to consider expanding the Rec Center aquatic facilities to a six‑lane competition pool and to explore external partnerships.

Jensena Wishau, a former collegiate swimmer, said a six‑lane competition pool would create swim opportunities for her children and other community members. Chip Forrester, a YMCA board member involved in a potential partnership, asked the council to delay a final decision to allow the YMCA to submit a detailed proposal, saying the organization could bring what he described as a $500,000 economic benefit through its operating program. The council did not accept a delay during the meeting.

Debbie Wright described revenue streams at the Centralia Rec Center — swim meets, lessons, concessions and facility rentals — and argued a larger pool would help Mt. Vernon capture similar income. Leah Mooney, a home‑school parent with a special‑needs child, said a six‑lane pool would eliminate off‑site travel to Centralia for year‑round swimming, allow local hosting of Special Olympics events, and provide benefits to schools and nearby businesses.

Speakers consistently tied the six‑lane proposal to additional community programming and potential economic activity, but council debate focused on the budget tradeoffs. The motion to adopt the six‑lane Option 2 failed 3‑2; the council instead approved the base schematic with a four‑lane pool.