Community members campaigning to save the local WET (Water Exercise Together) program were one step closer to potential victory as Oakdale City Council members approved a resolution Monday evening, April 1 greenlighting a possible site for the future indoor pool construction currently in discussion between the city and the Oak Valley Hospital District.

According to city documentation, OVHD (Oak Valley Hospital District) approached the City of Oakdale with the possibility of constructing an indoor therapy pool on city property located south of the Royse Memorial Swimming Pool near Dorada Park.

The site was chosen for its close proximity to the Oakdale Senior Center and adequate parking.

“There’s many more details that need to be worked out,” City Manager Bryan Whitemyer said but added that, overall, the process has been positive.

“We think it’s a great opportunity to collaborate with the hospital district,” he said.

A lack of funding ultimately derailed a grassroots venture 10 years ago but the collaboration between the city and the hospital district promises a better outcome as the city can make use of the facility for additional services for the community.

The ultimate layout and building design will be reviewed by the City Council at a later date.

Although OVHD hasn’t formally approved the plan to move forward with collaboration, the district is set to vote on the issue soon.

Sue Fields, a community member and WET program participant, came forward to express her gratitude to the council for taking on this issue, saying, “I wish I had an award to give you. Thank you so much for working with the hospital and looking out for us.”