In the Nov. 18 issue, Jean Daniello expressed a number of concerns regarding the aquatics master plan undertaken by the Columbia Association. In particular, she was concerned about factors impacting Faulkner Ridge Pool use, including some lower-income demographics in the neighborhood.
The aquatics master plan process is a long-view assessment of CA's aquatics facilities and programs plus a look at our community's changing demographics, best practices and industry trends, and community input on what's wanted and needed. I'd encourage Ms. Daniello and all Columbia residents to learn more about the plan by visiting ColumbiaAssociation.com/AquaticsMasterPlan.
As CA is a not-for-profit community-service organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Columbia residents, increasing resident participation in our programs and services is something we keep always on our radar. For CA residents who qualify based on income, CA offers a reduction in the cost of membership of up to 50 percent off a new-member rate and a 75-percent reduction for outdoor pool use. CA also has an Earn-a-Membership program that allows residents who fall within certain income levels the opportunity to earn a membership at no cost. There is also the CA Points program, available to students from elementary to high school, which allows students to earn points toward pool passes or family Package Plan memberships. They earn these "CA points" through their attendance at school, their grades and school program participation.