The Lynden Downtown Business Association, comprised of 63 members, supports the Lynden Regional Park and Recreation District bond issue that is on the general election ballot. The bonds will finance construction of an indoor recreation facility and swimming pool. It will be leased, operated and maintained by the Lynden YMCA, which has a fine record of providing programs and instilling important values for everyone from children to senior citizens. Many of us and our children were taught how to swim at the Lynden YMCA.

We consider this an investment in our community, much as previous generations of Lynden residents did when they funded construction of a swimming pool in 1961 and the building covering the pool in 1979.

Since the most cost-effective site for the new facility and swimming pool has been determined to be the former Delft Square, downtown Lynden would receive a boost if voters approve this bond issue. Instead of the fire-damaged building marring our downtown since 2008, we'd gain larger, more efficient facility that would draw hundreds of people each week, increasing awareness of current businesses and offering opportunities for new businesses. Since peak usage times for downtown businesses and the Lynden YMCA are different, parking would rarely be a problem.

Please join DBA members in voting for the bond issue.

Blake Starkenburg

Lynden