Brick should look to YMCA for community center

Iwould like to express my opinion regarding the purchase of the ice rink in Brick, which will cost the taxpayers millions of dollars with few to profit from the purchase unless they are avid hockey players or ice skaters.

If there is an interest in doing something for the town as a whole, maybe the officials of this town should take a field trip to look at a YMCA in operation. I previously belonged to a YMCA in Scotch Plains that serviced that town as well as other surrounding communities, offering many diversified programs for all ages. From swimming to gymnastics to exercise programs and facilities, karate, the list can go on and on. One would need to see the YMCA in full operation to appreciate all it has to offer. The fees charged for programs or full membership would help pay for the upkeep of the facility.

Currently our schools have to go to Ocean County College to practice for swim meets, which entails the students to be there late in the evening because there is no other available time.

To have a pool in the community will also enable children and adults to participate in programs that range from learning to swim, up to water aerobics for seniors.

Because this area has grown immensely, the YMCA located in Toms River cannot accommodate people from all of the surrounding towns. Because there seems to be a problem selling the old Foodtown location, maybe that could be a possible location. It is a sizable lot with plenty of parking area.

Let's look at what would benefit the town as a whole, not just a few people. If that amount of money can be spent, it should be spent to benefit the entire community.
Shirley Pellegrino
Brick