Since 2005, Howard County has planned to construct a public community pool at the North Laurel Community Center. This project is identified in Howard County's 2005, 2012, 2017, and 2022 Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plans, and is supported by many community organizations. However, due to budgetary constraints, funding for the North Laurel Pool was consistently pushed back - until now. County Executive Ball's Fiscal Year 2025 Proposed Capital Budget includes the full funding for the construction of an indoor pool at the North Laurel Community Center, which will include a main, 25-yard long pool with eight lap lanes and ADA access, and a second, warm-water leisure pool! The County Council has begun reviewing the budget and I am calling on community members to share their support by signing this petition and emailing councilmail@howardcountymd.gov.

While the national median for public pools in similar counties is three pools, our county has only one public pool, located at the Roger Carter Community Center in Ellicott City. All other pools in the County are private and require membership to attend. This lack of an additional public pool in our community highlights the inequities across the County. Many families and individuals do not have access to the benefits that come with a pool. From lifesaving swim lessons to water-based fitness classes for all ages and abilities, a pool provides invaluable services to our community. The 2022 Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan from Howard County Recreation and Parks found the following: "There is high demand and long waitlists for swimming lessons, therapeutic recreation, and the childcare program. Additionally, according to results from the Statistically Valid Survey, the four parks and recreation facilities with the highest percentage of households that indicated a need for the facility were: paved trails (80%), park lands (71%), unpaved trails (61%), and pavilions and picnic areas (59%). ETC Institute also estimated a total of 24,316 households in Howard County that have unmet needs for indoor pools."

Safety and equity are crucial benefits of a new public pool in Howard County. Many Marylanders do not know how to swim. The Maryland Department of Health reviewed child drowning fatalities from 2010 and 2019 and found that 57% of children who died from drowning were Black, 39% were white, and 4% were Hispanic.

Public pools are a tremendous asset to communities. They provide a hub for recreation and leisure, and are a vital resource for health, fitness, and education. A public pool offers a safe, accessible, and inclusive environment for all community members, regardless of socio-economic background.

For almost 20 years, Southeastern Howard County residents have expressed consistent interest in a North Laurel Community Pool, and now we need support from across the County to make it a reality. Investing in a public pool is an investment in the well-being and prosperity of our community. Not only does a public pool enhance the quality of life for residents, but it also serves as a symbol of the County's commitment to health, fitness, and longevity.

By signing this petition, you are voicing your support for a brighter, healthier, and more connected community.