To: Mark A. Eustis, President & CEO; Gordon L. Alexander, Jr., Regional President, Central Region; Jon R. Campbell, Chair, and Members of the Board; Dennis Dykstra, Professor and Head, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Evie Sands, Director of Rehabilitation Services
Re: Therapeutic Pool, Riverside Campus
The University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview has announced plans to permanently close the therapeutic pool at its Riverside campus on February 26, 2010.  The pool is an essential resource for wellness in our community.  We insist that Fairview:
1) Keep the pool open!
2) Immediately halt plans to close the pool or cut services for a minimum of six months to permit the community to respond.
3) Hold a public meeting at which pool participants and supporters may speak with the Medical Center's leadership about the pool and its benefits to individuals and to the community.
4) Engage pool participants and community members in developing a long-term plan for the future of the pool and its aquatic programs.

We are writing in response to the announcement that the therapeutic pool at the Riverside campus is to be closed permanently on February 26, 2010.  The pool is an essential resource for wellness in our community.  We insist that the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview:
1) Keep the Pool Open!
2) Immediately halt plans to close the pool or cut services for a minimum of six months to permit the community to respond.  
3) Hold a public meeting at which pool participants and supporters may speak with the Medical Center's leadership about the pool and its benefits to individuals and to the community.  
4.) Engage pool participants and community members in developing a long-term plan for the future of the pool and its aquatic programs.  
Thank you very much.  We look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,