ORANJESTAD, Aruba — The San Nicolas Community Pool has reopened to the community after repair work was completed and a new filtering pump system was installed.
The reopening was welcomed by AVP parliamentarian Jennifer Arends-Reyes, who said the San Nicolas Community Pool is an investment in health, safety and the future of Aruba’s children.
She emphasized that the facility should remain a safe, accessible and well-maintained public space for the community.
San Nicolas Community Pool Supports Swimming and Safety
Arends-Reyes said the San Nicolas Community Pool is much more than a place for recreation.
According to her, it is a direct investment in health, prevention, sport and equal opportunity.
She noted that Aruba is surrounded by water, which makes learning to swim an essential life skill rather than a luxury.
Every child in Aruba, regardless of financial situation or neighborhood, should have the opportunity to learn to swim in a controlled and safe environment, she said.
San Nicolas Community Pool Benefits the Community
The San Nicolas Community Pool can play an important role in swimming programs for schools, training for sports clubs, activities for senior citizens and physical rehabilitation.
The facility can also provide aqua fitness, health programs and recreational opportunities for families who do not have access to a private pool.
In addition, the pool can help identify and develop sporting talent.
Aruba has young people with the potential to represent the island in swimming, water polo and other aquatic sports, but that talent can only grow if there is proper infrastructure, trained coaches and enough opportunity to practice.
Facility Repairs and Ongoing Improvements
Arends-Reyes said more than half a million florins was invested in the new pump house for the San Nicolas Community Pool.
She added that the facility will continue to be maintained and that renovation work on the cafeteria and gazebos will also continue.
According to her, the pool has special value for San Nicolas.
Investment in community facilities helps generate positive activity, strengthen social cohesion and give young people a healthy way to spend their free time.
San Nicolas Community Pool Seen as a Long-Term Investment
Arends-Reyes said strong communities begin with places where people can meet, move, learn and grow.
For that reason, she said the San Nicolas Community Pool should be seen as an investment in prevention, health and the future.
She concluded by saying that every child who learns to swim becomes safer, every young person who practices sports gains opportunity, and every well-maintained public facility shows serious investment in the well-being and future of the community.
