The Friends of the Vashon Pool have some ambitious ideas and little evidence or plans yet to prove their ideas are financially viable. But the idea of a friends group for the pool seems obvious as a way to take this underutilized community resource to the next level.

A friends group is not a novel idea. On Vashon, such volunteer groups have done work all over the island. Point Robinson would not be what it is today without the close stewardship of the Keepers of Point Robinson and its relentless leader. And the skatepark in Burton may be closed now had a stewardship group of mostly parents not fundraised to keep it open. Now the Vashon Park District is moving forward with plans to expand the skatepark with the group’s support. Several parks on the island have friends groups associated with them, including the Maury Island Marine Park and Island Center Forest, as does the library. And several years ago, a group of equestrians raised thousands of dollars to build a covered horse arena at Paradise Ridge Park.

Where does that leave the Vashon Pool? It’s noteworthy that the park district, which spent $40,000 subsidizing the pool in its first season managing it, was able to cut that number to $25,000 this year. The agency is clearly learning the ins and outs of managing the pool. But with so much focus and funding going toward the Vashon Fields in recent years, one can’t help but wonder if other park district programs such as the pool are missing out.

For instance, a cover for the pool could be an easy way to keep it open year-round and has been discussed by the district, but there’s no money in the coffers for that pricey addition. With very limited funding and manpower, the park district has few resources it can put toward trying to improve the pool’s offerings, be it adding classes or expanding the season. If volunteers wish to take up the task and lend a hand, the park district should hear them out, and it appears it will.

On an island with active youth but limited activities for kids, expanded opportunities at the public pool — which is more accessible than the island’s private pools — could go a long way. We need to support sports beyond the ones that take place on a field, and the pool can offer activities for all ages, not just kids. The island should welcome the new friends group, which can hopefully renew interest in this valuable community resource.