Chilkat Valley News - Serving Haines and Klukwan, Alaska since 1966

I have lived in Haines for 35 years. The fact that Haines had a swimming pool convinced me to move here to take a teaching job at the Haines School, where I worked 23 years. When I retired 12 years ago, the swimming pool was a big part of my decision to stay in Haines. I swim four days per week. Swimming is vital to my physical and mental health. The idea that the pool can close in the summer because other exercise opportunities are available those months is misguided, in my opinion. Stretching and exercising in the pool allows my aging body to keep a garden and participate in subsistence activities during the summer months. Is it any wonder that the American College of Sports Medicine recommends swimming or walking in the water among four preferred rehabilitation exercises for injuries to ligaments, muscles, or tendons?

Let’s all work together and keep the pool open year-round.

Kate Saunders