The upgrading of the pool at the Joint Forces Training Base continued recently with the dedication of the new shade structure over the picnic area of the pool.
The upgrading of the pool at the Joint Forces Training Base continued recently with the dedication of the new shade structure over the picnic area of the pool.
I wasn’t here when the pool was remodeled and refurbished, but from what I have heard there was some controversy over the project. I know, controversy in Los Alamitos, shocking. But that aside, it was fairly obvious that there is plenty of opportunities for groups to take advantage of the facility.
Despite the still chilly weather, the pool was in full use on the afternoon of the shade dedication ceremony. Swim clubs and lessons were underway and it is expected to continue each day through summer to be in high demand. So the shade structure will get more and more use as the days heat up.
The shade was sponsored by Los Alamitos Medical Center. Medical center representative Susan Morales said that the center had been looking to sponsor a project that would have health benefits for the community and a shade structure to protect people from the harmful effects of too much sun, certainly fits the bill.
“Thank you so much for the opportunity,” Morales told the attendees.
There were a lot of people on hand for the dedication, many of whom have been involved in the pools refurbishing from the start. Mayor Pro Tem Marilynn Poe spoke on behalf of the city and noted the many contributions it has taken to bring the pool up to the standards that has made it suitable for the USA Water Polo program to call it home.
“These kinds of things don’t happen with just one person, it’s a joint effort,” Poe said.
Check out Schools
I would encourage readers to be sure and check out this week’s Schools page on page 5. A couple of teachers at Los Alamitos High submitted a story about a visit to the school by Dr. Melba Patillo Beals, who was part of an integration of a school in Arkansas. We’ve all heard these stories about what African American students and families had to endure to change the culture of segregation in schools.
Beals lived that experience, went on to higher education, wrote a book and came to Los Alamitos to share her experiences with students and faculty. It’s a great story and one from which we should all continue to learn.
