A disservice to RAL pool users

I’m baffled by administrators’ latest decision to slash Robert A. Lee (RAL)’s hours, because the pool provides safe indoor swimming when air quality is poor and while the Bradford Drive entrance to Mercer is closed. Summer is an optimal time for children to practice swim skills, yet the popular Friday evening and Saturday afternoon swims have been cut. RAL is now open less than one-third the time of City Park pool, and less than a quarter that of Mercer.

This selective austerity began in 2022 and uniquely affects RAL pool users, who must compete for parking with people attending the farmers market on Saturday mornings, forego any afternoon swims, and pay more per hour than users of Mercer or City Park pools.

I can attest that RAL is extremely popular among its many users, from toddlers to the elderly, and I have had to wait for a lane several times this month. RAL advocates: please write to Iowa City Parks and Recreation administrators and commissioners to protest these skeletal hours and demand access to your downtown pool. Farmers market attendees: remember to throw in your towel and swimsuit and come for a refreshing swim at RAL, before or after you finish shopping!

Anne Stapleton

Iowa City