The Politics Of Water Aerobics

It all started when a huge hole replaced the old Rankin Park Pool five blocks northwest from my Martinez home.  As the new Aquatic Center pool structures grew up from the earth I became more and more excited.  The finished product was more spectacular than I had envisioned and I couldn't wait for it to open. 

. My first visit was a delight, watching the children laughing and squealing as the big bucket dumped gallons of water on them.  I have never before in my life walked across a pool deck in a bathing suit so unaware of my own self, so much so that when the bucket got me I nearly shrieked like all the other kids. 

A few weeks later my neighbors began going to the new pool for water aerobics, so I joined them.  My first reaction was this can not be exercise; I was having too much fun!  Walking down there with neighbors in the late afternoon during the summer was a wonderful new experience.  And yes, it is exercise, as I realized the next morning getting out of bed. 

The pool season ended all too soon, and a few of us decided it should be open longer.  After a petition was signed by water aerobics people and lap swimmers and delivered to the City Council, a grass roots effort sprung up to support the new Aquatic Center. 

More about our advocacy group in the next blog.  Right now, I must get ready to pass out Rankin Aquatic Center flyers with Kathy Braun. See you around town!