POOL: Swim center rate change hurts

Kootenai Health and the Terrill Aquatic Center as of January 2026 are apparently “making changes to better serve their patients and our community,” by limiting independent swim time and decreasing hours from 18 to 4 hours per week, along with raising pool rates 2-3 times what they have been in the past. Paying $960 or more per year to swim is extremely exorbitant for those of us who are on fixed incomes. Most of the pool patrons are former rehab patients including handicapped, disabled veterans and seniors which are some of the most vulnerable people in our community, all of which were encouraged to continue their therapy in the Terrill Aquatic Center.

The center’s water temp is 92 degrees, which is beneficial for arthritis pain, injury recovery, and surgical healing. To be without pain and to move freely in their pool without encumberment is a liberating feeling. The wide stairs, the railings and the lift for wheelchair bound seniors has made it a safe and positive experience. At this time even though there are a few other pools in our community they are not conducive to our needs.

The Terrill Aquatic Pool was originally paid for by community donations, with the mission of serving our disadvantaged population. Now we are able to vary our swim times without being crammed together. The shower/bathroom areas are unable to accommodate a higher amount of people utilizing the pool at one time.

As one of the first therapy patients, it has been a Godsend to me as well as for the other recovery patients, also an opportunity for socialization for those unable to go out into the community.

CAROL EACHON, retired Kootenai Health RN

Athol