I am a single parent and resident of the Juanita neighborhood of Kirkland.

I am writing this letter to both show my support and inspire support of the proposed ARC (Aquatics/Recreation/Center) project.

A centralized fitness facility for the community is the community. It is a place to go when you have little or no disposable income. It gives both children and adults something to do. It facilitates friendships, scholarships, healthy fit bodies and minds. It is a place from mentoring or to be mentored. It is the gift to us that will keep on giving for years. How much of your life involves sitting in a car, and office chair, or your couch? The ARC presents a local healthy, fun, social option.

It is a place to hold meetings for a club of like-minded neighbors. Groups like photo clubs, gardening clubs, knitting circles, and art groups. Additional activities could include town meetings, retirement parties, dances and the occasional poetry reading.

The ARC is also an opportunity for local businesses to grow and develop. All of this virtually no increase in noise or criminal activity rightly or wrongly associated with public spaces. People that care enough to work out and take care of their minds and bodies tend to take care of their surroundings and communities too.

Maybe you simply want something to do with your kids during the summer because they are driving you crazy. This is it. Take them to the ARC for a fun session of energy zapping swimming and slides and water fun.

Kids can benefit from learning and participating in basketball, volleyball, swim teams, water polo, synchronized swimming and more. Adult leagues too.

I realize that the unfortunate response is for most of us to say no to change. On the other hand we Kirkland residence have the option to improve our quality of life and say yes, let’s do it!

Bryan E. Smith, Kirkland