On November 5, 2024, the Arrowhead community will vote on a referendum. If the referendum passes, a new pool facility will be built, or the current one will be renovated.
According to Coach Ruth Ann Ahnen, the Girls Swim and Dive Coach, the pool has needed updates and renovations for quite some time. There are problems with the HVAC and air quality in the pool. There is also limited space and crowded lane conditions.
A major problem that occurred more than 5 years ago was the diving well not being up to code. The diving board was removed, and the dive team now has to practice at Germantown High School, while the swim team practices at AHS.
“Building a new pool is the only logical answer,” said Coach Ahnen. “Do it for our future generations.”
In addition to high school swimmers, community members also utilize the pool for open swim. If the referendum passes, triathletes, girl and boy scout troops and area feeder schools can use the pool, as well as local law enforcement for training purposes.
According to Coach Ahnen, the pool generates revenue for the school through the lessons program and hosting swim meets. However, the lessons program is unable to accommodate all of the families in need of swimming lessons. According to the CDC drowning is the second leading cause of death in kids 6 and under; swimming is an essential life skill.
Arrowhead Girls Swim and Dive Team is active in the community. Without a pool, a program well-known for helping the community would be taken off-site.
According to Coach Ahnen, the team is the number one contributor to the Make-A-Wish Walk for Wishes in Milwaukee and to the Hartland Food Pantry. Each year the team raises money for the Stacey Meyer Scholarship Fund, a fund for Arrowhead’s female swimmers. Without a pool, a program well-known for helping the community would be taken off-site.
Passing the referendum preserves the tradition of excellence for the Arrowhead swim program. A new pool facility will maintain that tradition for generations to come.
