KAYSVILLE -- Although the matter has been brought before the city council many, many times prior to Tuesday night, and was even soundly defeated in a November, 2004 bond election, Kaysville residents and members of the Davis High School swim team appeared before the council pleading for a community swimming pool. However, council members were not willing to place the request high on their list of priorities, and it isn't likely that Kaysville will build a community swimming pool anytime in the near future. Davis High's newest swimming coach, Laura James, stood before the council with several of her students to present their case. "I just see a need for your community to have a swimming pool," said James. The competitive swim season goes from early September through February, and team members were requesting that the city build an indoor facility for use year round.

According to Kendall Tingey, a member of Davis High's swim team, the average household spends approximately $300 for outside swim costs. "For the citizens of Kaysville, it costs more in gas to leave the city than it would be annually for taxes to build a pool," he said.

The swim team did not hear a positive response from the council.

"Unfortunately, we just have other priorities right now," explained council member Christopher Snell. "It's made its way down on the list of priorities in the city and there are other things we need to take care of before we discuss a place to play."

However, council members did provide another possible route of action for those requesting the pool: approach the county for a RAP (Recreation and Parks) Tax that would allow the city to pool money with other surrounding cities that may also use a community swimming facility.

"I hope the RAP tax comes back and citizens give it a try," said council member Gil Miller. A RAP tax was also on the November 2004 election ballot, countywide, and was also defeated.

Former council member Nathan Pace, who has relocated to New York State, was a strong advocate for a Kaysville swimming pool. An outdoor-only facility had been proposed to be built as part of an enlarged Barnes Park for about $3 million.

Currently, the Davis High swim team practices daily at the Layton City Surf & Swim. More than 95 team members practice their strokes in a total of five lanes.

Layton and Northridge high schools also practice at the Layton City facility. Although Layton City accommodates the Davis swim team without complaint, Davis High does pay for the use. This year, Layton submitted a bill to Davis High of $4,300.



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