Sentinel-News Editorial

You don't have to look very far to find progress here in Hartley.

The new elementary school is nearing the finish line and construction of the Highway 18 Industrial Park has hummed right along this summer. Local history buffs are also enjoying the new barn that's being built at the Patch-Eeten House, and other vital community amenities like the Hartley Community Daycare Center have seen significant improvements recently. Outside city limits, construction of the new middle school in Sanborn will be exciting to follow in the coming months.

Still, more opportunities for progress and community betterment lie ahead.

It's no secret that Hartley needs a new pool. The current one has been on its last legs for a while now, and it's only open thanks to the great care and upkeep it has received by those charged with overseeing it. Even so, it's time to move on to something better. You can't teach an old dog new tricks and you can't make a 62-year-old pool new again.

City officials will be asking Hartley voters to approve a bond measure next March to pay for the construction of a new aquatic center. Local residents may moan about voting for another referendum – after all, the community saw three school bond measures fail between 2014-2017 before the fourth one passed in 2018. Nonetheless, supporting it will be an investment in Hartley's future and make it an even more attractive place for new families.

Most folks are aware pools aren't moneymakers for municipalities. Cities never get back what they put in, because maintenance and staffing are expensive. Still, its evident aquatic centers like Hartley's have value beyond dollars and cents. They provide a healthy gathering place for local youth on those hot summer days and they elevate a city's aesthetic appeal. Every community is trying to draw new families in these days, and having a modern pool is no doubt a key asset in doing so.

Though most folks agree that a new pool is indeed needed, there's always some deviation on projects like these. Some residents would like to see it built in a different location while others would like to see more amenities added to the blueprints. When you really learn about the issue, though, it's clear building a new pool at Neebel Park is the only feasible option. The approximately $3 million budget is already tight and moving the facility elsewhere isn't a financial possibility. There's only so much the city can do.

The community's support for the project extends beyond voting "yes" next March. Fundraising efforts will be needed to come up with some of the costs. Informed Hartley residents already know fundraising has been underway for two years – so far, Keith and Jackie Stoltz have collected $18,000 worth of cans at the downtown depository, all of which is going to the new pool. More volunteer effort like theirs will be needed in the months ahead.

Stay updated with developments as more information is released in the months ahead. Hartley's current pool has served three generations, and this project is one that everyone can get behind to ensure three more generations have their own place to swim.