I am so sorry that I have not been complimentary enough. You are great at communication, getting community feedback, and trying to do the best for your citizens. All elected government entities around here should learn from you. I’ve taken Decatur 101, volunteered for lots of things, and complimented you lots of times on this blog in the past but I forgot to do it adequately before making a suggestion this time. Mea culpa. You do not have to buy umbrellas for shade if you don’t want to but I have one at home and it is very sturdy. This sort of umbrella lasts about 10 years with constant outdoor storage, probably longer if you stored it inside but I am too lazy to do that. All you would need is about 5 umbrellas per pool to make a huge difference in the shade content. If you get dark green, they will fit in well with grass and trees and not look too country clubby. But if you need the $2,000 for something else more urgent, I understand. Even though I am a long-time member of Venetian Pools, since way before it got so pricey and country clubby and you couldn’t get your initial membership fee reimbursed anymore, I hang out at city pools a lot too to join neighbors or for birthday parties. I enjoy them a lot but wish there was more shade. The concrete areas around pools get real hot on sunny days without some shade.

Thanks, sorry, and great job!