"I was surprised to learn the small pool will need such large and indefinite subsidies. We are being asked to build a luxury pool too small for swim teams, no diving area, and limited swim lanes. Taxpayers will be on the hook perpetually for this luxury the majority will barely use."
Darren Parsons
"I was excited about Vienna getting a pool, until I realized it’s a tiny indoor pool that will cost the Town $25M+ and will run a deficit of $1.5M per year. Residents will end up paying more in taxes for a tiny indoor pool that few people want or can use."
Kate French
"I love pools. Having one so close by to me here in Vienna sounds great, verses my going to nearby Spring Hill and Oakmont. However, this proposal is a money losing luxury facility. Overall cost to design, construct and operate is not feasible, and echo’s the concerns the past town council spoke of. We must not lose sight of the well-being of our youth in Vienna. Their families presently have opportunity to become members of more than one private pool inside Vienna, and use of public Oakmont and Spring Hill aquatic and fitness centers. The Town of Vienna already has high marks as a great town to live in because of existing aquatic facilities for families. The needs of healthy youth are best served with the use of community parks, ball fields, outdoor splash pads, playground/tennis/basketball, community pavilion, all of which don’t require a membership. These are better alternatives. The youth would probably agree too, if they faced paying that annual membership fee themselves, to then try and squeeze into 4 crowded, frequently reserved lanes. Its said, to keep your kids happy, just add water. Imagine taking them today to each one of the 3 nearby private pools, then go over to Oakmont and Spring Hill. Having those 5 aquatic experiences, then take them to the proposed Vienna aquatic facility. I’m sure you’ll hear, “can we go home now” sooner, with the latter pool."
John Andrews
"What got under my skin was the stupidity and bias of the decision-making process. Instead of facing the difficult issues squarely, Town staff have done their best to hide them. That includes completely ignoring the 2014 Town Council "NO" vote on a pool, and ignoring the new Parks Master Plan. They ignore the presence of three big, efficient Fairfax aquatics facilities nearby. And they suppressed any mention of the planned $1000/year family membership fee, and instead whipped up support for this by making it look like the pool would be free to use. Ignoring major problems is not a smart way to spend this much of the taxpayer's money. It'll be a miracle (or sheer dumb luck) if this turns out well, given the decision-making leading up to it."
Chris Hogan
"It seems that only one type of facility has received any serious attention, and that's the type the County already offers, available to all. But long pool waiting lists demonstrate that there is huge unmet need for an outdoor "fun" pool for families. As a member of the Vienna Aquatic Club, I can attest that small children, teens, adults, seniors, and swim teams all use the outdoor pool during its season. As for winter, has anyone with expertise researched the pros, cons, and costs of inflatable domes used by hotels and country clubs? "
Laura Bligh
"I don't want to pay for what is a redundant and unnecessary nice-to-have that will basically be a money pit. I'd rather see the fields and facilities we currently have be maintained better. We played fewer than 20 percent off our softball games last spring at Southside because of the drainage issues. That's just one example"
Janet Mittel