Video: Poulsbo swimming pool set to close

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POULSBO, Wash. - From special ed students to seniors and aspiring Olympians, the North Kitsap Community Pool hosts a diverse community, but it's about to go under.

"Initially, it just broke my heart," said Sue McCarty, parent. "I have seen so many kids and I've seen them grow."

The North Kitsap School District took over the pool from Poulsbo years ago because the city couldn't afford it. Now, the district has its own money problems.

"We've been cutting the budget for five years," said Nancy Moffat, district finance director.

Moffatt says the district must close a $2.5 million budget gap. The pool alone costs $350,000 a year.

"It's very difficult to justify keeping a pool open because that really translates to four teachers, four teaching positions," Moffatt said.

"As a board we would have to vote on it but there literally is not $350k in the budget for this pool," said Melanie Mohler, school board president.

KING

The pool is set to close August 31.

If the pool were to close, swimmers wouldn't have many options. There are only three or four pools in the county and the one in Silverdale to the south has its own financial troubles. In fact, it could close after next year.

That's disheartening to many.

"This pool is the only one in the community and we're surrounded by water and this pool helps a lot of people," said Jacklene Salwei, swimmer.

Supporters are planning fundraisers to try and keep it open.

Right now, the pool plans to close its doors August 31.