Friends of Lopez Island Pool

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2.		What about water? Lopez is an island with a vulnerable water supply!		We are looking at every possible way to save water. We will have water catchment. We hope to use desalinated water. The showers and toilets will be our biggest water usage so we are researching ones that will fit our needs. With recent, available technology, pools once filled can go for years without a change of water.
5.		Why do you need a pool? You have water all around?		This has been asked more than once. All children should learn basic swimming and rescue skills. Many children on the island do NOT know how to swim. A pool creates a safe play/learning environment which encourages confidence.
7.		Will there be a diving board?		At this point, no. It is an added expense. However, if funding for specific items is donated, we will consider any additions to the facility.
10.		There are people against the pool?		Yes. We respect everyone's view and we definitely welcome constructive ideas. Having people genuinely question the pool has helped us appreciate the complexity of this undertaking and forced us to be better at communicating what is needed to make the pool a success. Our planning has been made all the more complete by the countless positive and negative comments we have received.
11.		I hate chlorine. It tuns my hair green. Can the pool be salt water?		We are looking into all possible alternatives, however we will not risk the safety of the community so a combined chlorine and salt maybe the best solution. We will always be searching for the best methods to keep the pool clean and safe.
12.		Who will be life guards?		YOU!! We plan to have classes that will certify people to be life guards. This is a way for young adults to gain skills that will be useful here on Lopez as well as elsewhere.
15.		Fidalgo Pool has so many financial problems. How are we going to maintain a pool?		Judy Jensen, the head of the aquatic center from Fidalgo says "We are not failing! Over 31 years there has been a levee voted every two years and only twice it has been voted down. Your cost will be much less. We are extremely successful and have over 10,000 swimmers a year. I am so thrilled for you all... congratulations on the land. It will happen! " It seems people focus on the two times the levee did not pass, forgetting the dozen times it did.
17.		Will my taxes go up with this pool?		NO. F.L.I.P. is a private non profit organization (501(c)3 status pending) your taxes will NOT be impacted. Our funding will be through grants, revenues through memberships, fees and fundraising. We are looking at one time donations and long term investing strategies.
19.		If this project fails where would the money go that you have already gotten?		As a non profit with 501(c)3 status (pending) we had to designate where money is to go if we should fail. We choose the Family Resource Center, which shares many of our community interests. Thankfully we have amazing forward energy. We know it will not fail!
22		Since I have been here, we have all this new stuff: KLOI radio, LOHO, new future Thrift Store, Skate Park, Community Center, Family Resource Center, Tennis courts, school stuff, renovate this, fix that... Don't get your hopes up. The pool? ------ do you really think it will happen?		We have learned in our endeavors that competing demands can arise among efforts to improve the quality of life on Lopez. Every activity has its critics as well as its supporters, and it’s difficult to assign “worth”. How many children must benefit from the skate park, the tennis courts, etc., to make them worth the effort and cost? These are all community decisions that enhance life on Lopez, some affecting more people than others. Our project is complicated, long term, and our goal is to be an integral addition to the larger Lopez community.
26.		What is that other smaller pool you are talking about?		There will be another smaller warmer pool for physical therapy. It will have steps tha can be put in place and removed so young children can guadally learn to be comfortable in the water and swim.
27.		Where will the pool be?		We know the answer!! F.L.I.P. is thrilled to announce the pool will be on donated land contingent on county regulations. The future site is near the school. Look for the large blue banners.
28.		Can we rent the pool out for birthdays?		Yes. Yes: weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, Halloween, anniversaries, solstice, you name it and it can be rented out. We think winter months would be popular for people who need a change of venue.
30.		Can my dog use the therapy pool for rehab?		We do want the pool to be for everyone! Many of us have dear, older pets that we love. But it is imperative that we follow all health department guide lines and dogs in community pools would not be allowed.
31		Will it have fish painted on the bottom?		We have no specifics about painted fish but again... it has to have that Lopez touch to it. We cannot wait to see what the facility looks like. Tiles designed by each of us? Art Glass windows? Landscaped outside kid's pool connected to a wooded path to the school? Join us with your vision....! Help us with your support.....!
32.		Have you ever done anything like this (starting a non profit, building a pool) before?		No. But we collectively are passionate and tenacious. We are open to any and all avenues of information and have the flexibility to adapt and adjust our plans as we explore this project!
33		The community center did something with certificates of deposit and donations. Do you know about this?		Yes, a great idea. When large donations of over $10,000 are made, we could, if the donor wishes, put the funds in a CD for FLIP, draw a specific contract stating that IF the building does not progress, their funds would go back to them with interest. It is imperative that the persons donating feel that the funds will, in good faith, go to the project as soon as possible.
37.		I heard The Islander is redoing their pool. Why can't we just use that?		Yes, they are but their pool will be for their guests only; they don't see a community pool competing with their facilities. In fact, the Islander is thrilled about FLIP's project as they recognize the value of a community pool on Lopez.
38		Why did the pool fail last time?		It was very close. In Nov 1992 Lopez had an "Abstract of Special Election Return" which was a proposal for a Park and Rec District. The proposal required public funding via tax revenues That was sixteen long years ago. Of the 1039, who participated, 44% voted yes and 55% voted no. A group of extremely dedicated people worked hard to get it that far. We are grateful for all the work they did. Why, at this time, will the pool be a success? Our Island Community has changed, and funding will be private, not public.

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