News Summary

The Kenai community in Alaska is mobilizing to save the high school pool from potential closure due to budget cuts. With overwhelming support from citizens and discussions about local management, hope remains for the facility that serves over 500 young swimmers. The pool plays a critical role in promoting fitness and water safety, especially amidst rising drowning rates in the state. Community members are urged to stay engaged as final budget decisions approach.

Kenai Community Rallying to Save High School Pool Amid Budget Cuts

In the charming city of Kenai, Alaska, a spirited mission is unfolding to keep the community’s beloved high school pool afloat. Recently, energy surged in the town as the local community gathered to express their unwavering support for the Kenai Central High School pool during a city council meeting. The heart of the swimming community, this pool has become a crucial facility for young swimmers, fitness enthusiasts, and physical education classes alike.

Recent Developments Shake Up Pool Operations

The swimming pool has been managed by veteran coach Will Hubler since 1990, a testament to its long-standing importance within the community. On June 17, Hubler led a treading water exercise that highlighted the pool’s role in keeping kids active and safe. However, the future of the pool is now shrouded in uncertainty after the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (KPBSD) announced budget cuts that would initially close pools across the peninsula.

After substantial pushback from communities and swimmers, KPBSD has temporarily reversed this closure decision but indicated that pools must be managed by local communities within the next year. This has launched discussions among community members and city officials, with many advocating for Kenai to take charge of the high school pool’s administration and operations. Without a formal proposal submitted yet, the city is currently in talks with KPBSD to develop a workable solution.

Voices of the Community Ring Loud and Clear

During the city council meeting, citizens voiced their passionate opinions, stressing the crucial economic benefits and community involvement tied to the pool. Vice Mayor Henry Knackstedt noted the lack of clear direction from KPBSD around what support would be necessary for the pool’s management. While Kenai isn’t the only town facing these challenges—communities like Ninilchik and Seldovia are also eyeing the creation or expansion of recreational service areas to keep their facilities operational.

Parents like Dan Castimore pointed out successful examples from other regions in Alaska, where municipalities have taken over school pools effectively through their parks and recreation departments. With the KCHS pool currently home to over 500 young swimmers engaged in lessons and three active swim teams, this facility is not just an amenity but a lifeline for youth fitness and well-being.

The Pool’s Lifesaving Role

The urgency to keep the pool open is compounded by alarming statistics from the CDC, which indicate that Alaska holds the highest per capita drowning rate in the nation. Community members passionately highlighted the pool’s role in teaching essential water safety skills that can save lives—an especially poignant point as local rivers and lakes beckon during summer months.

Local high school seniors and younger swimmers shared their stories, illustrating how they have developed vital swimming skills during their time at the KCHS pool. For some, this facility has become a sanctuary for exercise, as former student athlete Michael Christian emphasized the critical role of swimming in maintaining health and fitness.

Looking Ahead: The Community Must Come Together

Kenai Mayor Brian Gabriel encouraged continued community engagement as the city seeks a resolution that benefits not just the pool but the entire community. With school board meetings scheduled for June 26 and July 7 to finalize the district budget and necessary cuts—including the critical funding for pools—community members are urged to stay alert and channel their efforts into supporting the KCHS pool. As Hubler pointed out, finding a suitable management solution is essential by June 30, 2026, to prevent further uncertainty.

With hearts united for a common cause, the Kenai community remains determined, showcasing their deep connection and commitment to the vision of a thriving, safe environment for all their swimmers. The journey is far from over, but with focused effort and community spirit, the future of the Kenai Central High School pool may just be bright and rippling with possibility.

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