Residents protest the closing of the Williams Aquatic Center without public notice.
Williams residents gathered outside of city hall to protest the proposed draining of the Williams Aquatic Center. They fear that, without the weight of the water in the pool, the ground water and vibrations from the train will crack the pool and render it unusable as was the case with the pool built in the fifties. They point out that the pool is used by visitors to Williams, as well as the residents, unlike the Elephant Rocks Golf Course which can only be used a few months out of the year. It is one of the few recreational resources that the youth and adults of the community have to enjoy. Schools from Ash Fork and surrounding areas use the pool, as well. It is recommended by national travel web sites such as Trekaroo. The pool was used last New Years Eve to host a non-alcoholic alternative event.
Organizers indicate that they may have received as many as 500 signatures since starting the petition drive about 1 pm today.
66-year old Martha Otero, resident of Williams since 1956, braved the chill to protest the draining of the pool because it helps to relieve her of Rheumatoid arthritis.
Another resident, Elizabeth Johnson suffers from back pain. “I cannot walk very far, so I walk in the pool to get exercise,” she said.
“We don’t view it as recreation.” Mrs. Otero stated. “We look at it as a quality of life.”
Mrs. Otero pointed out that councilman Bill Miller, who voted to close the pool, used the pool for rehabilitation after hip surgery. Only councilman Andrew Hamby voted against draining and closing the pool.
Organizers of the protest may have gathered as many as 500 signatures since 1 pm.
Residents complain that the decision to close the pool occured at a meeting on the 19th and that it was not an agenda item. They plan to be present at the meeting at 7 pm tonight.
We are currently waiting a response to an e-mail sent to Mayor John Moore for comment.
Williams News
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