Tell the mayor and council to rebuild bluejacket pool

Mayor and Council

logan.heley@opkansas.org,
holly.grummert@opkansas.org,
melissa.cheatham@opkansas.org,
drew.mitrisin@opkansas.org,
jim.kite@opkansas.org,
richard.borlaza@opkansas.org,
scott.mosher@opkansas.org,
gregg.riess@opkansas.org,
sam.passer@opkansas.org,
inas.younis@opkansas.org,
jeff.cox@opkansas.org,
chris.newlin@opkansas.org

Talking Points

When talking to city representatives about the pool, here are some talking points you can include. Please focus on Bluejacket Pool and the desire to have a community-based pool that is inclusive and accessible and avoid discussing other city projects.

Bluejacket is mentioned more that 220 times within the Playbook OP survey the next closest park is Strang Park at 138 and Tomahawk Pool at 54 times. "Pool" is mentioned over 850 times. It is clear the majority of the opinion is the community of Overland Park values community-based pools.
The cities reinvestment into more community-based pools versus fewer, larger destination pools would only enhance its already stellar reputation of one of the best places to raise a family. Giving those families safer, local access to outdoor fun in the heat of the summer.
Bluejacket Pool is a community gathering space. It’s a place where families go and run into other families, children go and find classmates, teenagers toss the ball and work, adults get exercise and converse. It’s more than just a pool.
Having Bluejacket Pool in the neighborhood is seen as an important part of home values, given the limited number of pools north of 435. Removing the amenity will, without a doubt, limit the amount of prospective home buyers that would consider Oak Park HOA and surrounding communities. This will directly affect the property values of over 1,700 homes within the Overland Park side of the Oak Park HOA boundaries.
This will not stop. The current Aquatics Plan calls for the closure of Stonegate Pool with no replacement after its deemed it has exceeded its useful life. Causing more home value loss and families without local access.

The Ask

This group is asking that Playbook OP recommends investing in pools, like Bluejacket, and that the council supports the voice of the community.

Sample email

Dear Council Member ,

I have been a resident of Overland Park for __ years and I love Overland Park because [Insert your reason]. I am writing you today to express my support for the rebuilding of Bluejacket Pool. I am aware that the former long-range plan for Overland Park Parks & Recreation calls for the permanent closure of Bluejacket Pool at the end of its useful life; however, I want to express my belief that Bluejacket Pool and aquatics hold intrinsic value that will only strengthen Overland Park.

In a study released by WalletHub in 2024, Overland Park was named the second-best city to raise a family. Reinvesting in smaller, community-based pools will allow young families safe and local access to summer fun. Pools are also a source of employment for teenagers and a place for aerobic exercise for adults. Uncrowded pools allow those with either really young children, those who are differently abled, or those who cannot withstand crowds to also enjoy the aquatics. Community-based pools will provide the space to play, exercise, chat and relax without the crowding that destination-based pools attract. They are accessible to all.

I have witnessed how the community surrounding Bluejacket Pool has rallied around its pool. It is clear that this pool is clearly a staple within the community. Bluejacket Pool is clearly more than just a pool, but a gathering space for the people it serves. Not only that, but it is also an attraction for people buying homes within the surrounding neighborhood. However, if it the pool is not rebuilt, it will have negative effects on the home values of the nearly 1700 homes within the area. Thank you for investing in the planning process for Bluejacket Park this fall. I would love to see the city rebuild Bluejacket Pool as a result of that planning process. Additionally, I would like to see the city adopt a Playbook OP plan that considers the importance of community-based pools.

Thank you for your time,

Tell the mayor and council to rebuild bluejacket pool

Mayor and Council

Sample email

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