Petition to save pool out

Volunteer timers are on deck, as swimmers get ready to plunge into the Kan Pacific Swimming Pool during a local tournament. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

An online petition calling for the continued operation of the Kan Pacific Swimming Pool is going around and has drawn a lot of support from the community.

As of 9pm yesterday, over 1,600 have signed the petition posted at the change.org website, which according to its profile is used by “people everywhere in starting campaigns, mobilizing supporters, and working with decision makers to drive solutions.”

Time is ticking for the only Olympic-sized swimming pool in the CNMI, as it will cease operation on Sept. 30, according to the letter sent by Kan Pacific to the three swims clubs using the facility—Tsunami Swimming Center Saipan, Saipan Swim Club, and Dolphin Swim Club. Kan Pacific has been managing the 50-meter pool for over four decades, but the extension of the lease agreement (for the property in the Marpi area, including the pool), between the government and the company will be expiring at the end of this month. Imperial Pacific International (CNMI), LLC has received a notice of intent to award the new lease of all the facilities under Kan Pacific’s care. However, the final decision on the approval, denial, or amendment of the new lease agreement will come from the Legislature and as of press time no development on the issue has been released.

Kathy Ruszala, who swims at the pool with his husband Brad, and has students (with Saipan International School) and her two children also using the facility for practices and local tournaments, is one of the signatories in the petition.

“Hundreds of children and adults have learned the fundamentals of swimming in that pool. I still remember waking up at 5:30 am to swim laps with Coach Mike (Stewart) a decade ago,” the SIS teacher said, adding that she also shared the petition to her friends.

“On some Saturdays, Brad and I join the Dolphin Club as they teach new swimmers and old-timers alike. Now my children and their friends are there at least twice a week as members of the Saipan Swim Club. Kan Pacific is the community’s pool. It would be a shame to see the facility close down,” Ruszala said.

Triathlon Association in the CNMI official Ricky Castro also signed the petition and called on his TRAC members to do the same.

“Please keep the pool. Sign the petition now,” he said. “The Kan Pacific has a significant part in CNMI swimming history. This is where gold medals are mined and skills of the young and young at heart are honed.”

The petition, which was started by the members of the swimming community, will be turned in to Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and DPL to request for the continued operation of the pool.

Northern Mariana Islands Swimming Federation John Hirsh has also forwarded a letter to Torres, making the same request and Saipan Tribune learned that the two officials have been talking about the Marpi pool since last week.

To sign the petition, please visit https://www.change.org/p/save-the-pool.