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Parents and swimmers urge Northglenn council to save Northland Fusion swim team
Summary
More than a dozen parents, swimmers and coaches told Northglenn City Council the proposed elimination of the Northland Fusion swim program would strip local kids of a thriving team and community; speakers proposed fundraising, fee changes and grants as alternatives to cutting the program.
Dozens of parents, swimmers and the team’s head coach urged the Northglenn City Council to reverse a staff proposal to discontinue the Northland Fusion swim program, saying the team has grown from a handful of participants to about 40–50 and is a critical local youth service.
"My name is Michael McGuire. I live with 3623 East Hundred And 33rd Court… I'm here to talk about the fusion swimming team," said Michael McGuire during public invited to be heard, opening a string of speakers who described the program as more than a sport. Teen swimmer Alec McGuire said the team had become a "second home," crediting coaches Jim and Bailey with turning the program around and helping swimmers progress to state‑level competition: "Coach Jim… saved the swim team from what was barely nothing left of it to almost 50 people currently on the team," he said.
Several parents and athletes described competitive success and personal development tied to the program. Heather Buckley said her 10‑year‑old recently competed at the age‑group state meet and "went from swim lessons to age group state competition" in two years under the Fusion coaching staff. Multiple speakers said they received a staff email citing a roughly $100,000 shortfall; speakers disputed that limiting the team’s value to the number of Northglenn residents in the roster. "We shop at Northglenn stores. We eat at Northglenn restaurants. We live in Northglenn," Buckley said, stressing community ties even when home addresses differ.
Coach Jim Sharp introduced himself to council and urged creative alternatives to outright cancellation, saying the team had grown rapidly since he took over and noting fundraising and modest fee changes were possible. "I've placed kids on the US national team," Coach Jim said, arguing the program's benefits extend to competitive outcomes and community ambassadorship.
Mayor Lighty and council thanked speakers and said the topic will return during budget discussions; the mayor specifically noted the next budget conversation is scheduled for August 17. Council did not take action on the swim program at the meeting, and staff said some creative problem‑solving conversations had begun but no final decision was made that evening.
