Politics & Government
Swim Coach: Aquatic Center Would Allow Tournaments, Larger Team
The head coach of the Elk Grove Piranhas Swim Team hopes the city will build an aquatic center in its planned Civic Center.
Brenda Smart is one of the people in Elk Grove who would benefit directly from more pool space in the city.
She's the head coach of Elk Grove Piranhas, a competitive swim team that currently practices at the . She said Wednesday night that she supports the Elk Grove City Council's move toward building a 20-acre aquatic center as part of the city's planned Civic Center.
"At practices we have about 10 to 15 kids per lane," Smart said Wednesday night. "A new facility would eliminate the crowding we have now."
Find out what's happening in Elk Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The Piranhas are about 350 swimmers strong, but that number is limited by the size of the team's practice space. Smart said coaches this year had to turn away about 60 people who wanted to be on the team.
She said a larger pool would also allow the team to host its championship meet in Elk Grove–an event that brings in 1,200 competitors.
Find out what's happening in Elk Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Smart also coaches at , which also swims at the Wackford complex and travels outside of Elk Grove for sectional competitions.
"Every time we walk onto a campus that has a pool, we're like, 'Ugh, how is this possible?'"
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.