SWIM: Rude and unwelcoming

My grandchildren were three of the 356 swimmers that competed in the 2011 Inland Empire Championship swim meet held at the Kroc Center pool last weekend.

I spent three grueling days at the center being treated poorly by Kroc employees. If it had not been for my grandchildren I would never have stayed. The Kroc Center aquatic staff were rude and unwelcoming to me and many other guests of their facility.

Many spectators stated openly that they would never return to a meet at this pool because of how unreasonable they felt the staff was. We all experienced a "police state" mentality by the "guards." They seem to think we were there to ruin their pool rather than watch our children swim.

I think the Kroc Center has forgotten that the community of Coeur d'Alene supported them so there would be a place for healthy athletic events. What more positive community event can there be than young athletes and their families coming to town and enjoying local hotels, restaurants and shops while participating in a swim meet?

LINDA LaCOMBE

Indio, Calif.