My husband and I moved to PTC in 1995 when pregnant with our first child. We joyfully raised both of our children here with good schools, golf cart paths, and a fabulous offering of recreational programs. My husband and I were both Olympians and believe in all the great lessons sports teaches children and young adults.
Ironically, the popular sport that I won three gold medals in (1984) and held world records in for 20+ years is the sport that most lacks access here in PTC (and all of Fayette County for that matter)! That’s the amazing sport of swimming! It’s been hard for me to believe that a community like ours has existed with a bubble-covered, 8-lane x 25 yard pool, along with a small instructional pool, to serve the number of children and adults who could potentially benefit from aquatics programming. The swimming team is limited to 160 kids during the winter months, high school teams are limited to 3 practices a week (and most of those practices are limited to half the pool), and learn-to-swim programs and Senior Sneaker programing is pretty much non-existent.
I am thrilled that the latest Recreation Plan for Peachtree City includes a new aquatics center. I am optimistic that my fellow citizens will get excited over this initiative and encourage the City Council and City Manager to build the facility sooner than later. In the last 5 months, the Kedron pool has been closed 3 times for emergency maintenance. It has not been a well-maintained facility and will not last much longer. On the other hand, if built correctly, an aquatics facility that offers cradle-to-grave programming, including: learn-to-swim programs; Senior water aerobics; a 300-swimmer competitive team; 5 high school swim teams; social programs like Parent Night Outs, etc, will not be a tax burden on the city. There are many examples of aquatic facilities in similar size communities which actually run in the black. Peachtree City needs an aquatics facility which offers ALL a healthy way to exercise and play, while being financially sustainable!!
Mary Plant
Mary is right. The proposed aquatics center is the answer to a glaring hole in our community’s recreation offerings.
Swimming is a healthy activity for infants through seniors. It provides opportunity for anything from a refreshing soak, to family play and especially organized competition.
My children began swimming as toddlers, and were able to continue with swim teams year round through high school before we moved to PTC. The fitness, team member and life lessons in competition were essential to who they are today. One even gained a Division I swim scholarship that helped fund their education.
There are alternatives for most of the other proposed recreation investments, or at least they should be a lower priority. A new swim center potentially benefits every person and family in PTC. Let’s move this forward quickly.
I swim regularly at Kedron and have definitely seen an increase in demand at both the pools, lap and water aerobics. The facility is definitely showing its age . A new year-round aquatic center would be great for Peachtree City. And I’m glad that it is included as a possibility in the Recreation Plan. Hopefully the citizens of PTC will support the funding mechanism that can make this happen. I’m not sure I like the proposed location, Meade Field ( not centrally located or easily accessed by golf cart) , but there may not be any other viable options.