Save the Wilson 50

The Wilson Aquatic Center is DC’s first state-of-the art indoor aquatic facility. It was built with DC taxpayers’ dollars for use by all residents of the District of Columbia. Maintained by DC’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), its unique, stellar 50-meter pool is used and enjoyed by people of all ages from all over the city, as well as swimmers within the Washington metropolitan area. Non-residents who use the pool must pay a fee, which is revenue for the facility.

Contrary to the assertions of some, the Wilson pool is not just a neighborhood pool. It's a unique aquatic facility for all DC residents. Swimmers of wide-ranging ability swim its 50 meters, which is divided into slow, medium and fast lanes, in addition to a leisure lane for water-walking and other exercise. There's also a kiddy pool for parents with infants and toddlers and where young children can play. And for those who want to learn to swim or improve their skills, there are swimming and water aerobics classes for people of all ages.

As comments on this petition continue to reveal, the 50-meter course provides great satisfaction to new and experienced swimmers. Swimmers of all levels can get a good workout and improve their endurance while enjoying the gorgeous, long stretch of water. For 25-yard student swim meets, the pool lane lines can be re-configured, and for the Wilson students as needed.

As DPR’s website states: “The Wilson Aquatic Center is DC's premier indoor aquatic facility.” Let’s keep it that way by keeping the 50-meter course. Don’t disappoint the thousands of DC residents who swim Wilson’s beautiful 50 meters every week. It’s a world class pool for everyone.

For those who prefer shorter course swimming, there are eight other indoor and 18 outdoor DC pools: http://dpr.dc.gov/DC/DPR/Facilities+and+Permits/Aquatic+Facilities