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   For the past 30 years, residents of the Mission Valley have expressed strong interest in building an indoor aquatic facility. Multiple needs assessments and surveys have identified a local pool as one of this community's highest priorities. Desired activities for children and adults include swimming lessons, competitive swimming, rehabilitation, and other aquatics sports and fitness programs. In 1994, Polson residents voiced their desire for a swimming facility through the A&A Research Feasibility Survey Proposal. Four years later, Annenberg Rural Challenge and the Mission Valley Cluster produced similar finding. In February of 2002, the Lower Flathead Valley Community Foundation (LFVCF) conducted the Community Needs and Attitude Assessment in communities throughout the Valley. Again, results and comments from this survey documented the high interest in a swimming pool for the Mission Valley region.

   The LFVCF has recognized the need to build an indoor aquatic facility. Their pilot project of two above-ground portable pools housed in the pressurized vinyl domes is situated next to the Boys and Girls Club in Ronan. While these pools have proved popular, they are unfortunately only a parial,helvitica and temporary solution. It is time for all community members, groups and agencies to come together to build a comprehensive facility that will benefit all members of our community.

   This region could reap tremendous benefits from a successful aquatics facility. First and foremost, recreational opportunites in the lakes, rivers, creeks and ponds in this region demand quality swimming instruction. Drowning is the second-leading cause of death among children. It is essential for children to have year-round water safety instruction. In addition, an aquatic facility can imprve the heath and fitness of individual of all ages within our community, An indoor quatic facility will provide year-round water safety instruction, activities for children and families, senior activites, physical therapy, and competitive programs. Lastly, the pool will have a positive economic impact through employment opportunities and increased visitor traffic to the area. Out of town swimming facilites are not a substitute as high costs and transportation obstacles are significant and are prohibitive for many lower-income member of our community.

   The type of facility required to meet the need of all member of our community will cost roughly $3 million to construct. In addition, an operating budget of approximately $100,000 per year is required. While some of that latter amount can be covered with memberships and entrance fees, an endowment of another $1 million will provide income to ensure the financial health of the facility and its operations into the future. Mission Valley Aquatics proposes that these funds be raised through appeals to local residents, businesses, agencies, and health care entities. In addition, funds will be sought through grant application and the solicitation of volunteer and in-kind support. The volunteer members of Mission Valley Aquatics strongly believe that the undeniable value of a pool in our area will ensure that we can raise adequate funds to construct and operate a facility that will make the Mission Valley a better place to live for all.