For New Readers:
Over the past few months, a group of outdoor pool enthusiasts has captured the attention of the City Council, the Parks Department and the Mayor’s office. Initially, this grassroots effort focused on supporting a proposal from Councilmember David Della to fund a city-wide feasibility study for adding City pools.

Update: Feasibility Study Looks Funded
Thanks to support from the City Council and the Parks Department, money will be allocated in the existing Parks budget to fund an initial study to look at city-wide need and revenue/expense projections for outdoor pools. This is the first important step toward the ultimate community process that will lead to the identification of specific sites.

Next Steps: Parks Planning Meetings
The Parks Department will host 33 public meetings throughout Seattle over a 10-day period starting at the end of November. Community input gathered at these meetings will directly impact the Parks’ Strategic Plan and thus guide the Department’s decision making for years to come. If outdoor pools are possible, it will be due to community participation in these 33 meetings.

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED
To send a strong message during this critical time, please attend the Parks Planning meetings nearest you. Get the word out to your networks of friends and fellow swimmers. It will take broad support to get pools on the agenda. Meetings in Northeast Seattle include the following:

  • 11/26 Monday 7-9pm, Montlake Community Center
  • 11/27 Tuesday 5-7 pm, Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center
  • 11/29 Thursday 7-9 pm, Laurelhurst Community Center
  • 12/1 Saturday 2-4pm, Green Lake Community Center
  • 12/4 Tuesday 6-8pm, Arboretum - Visitor’s Center
  • 12/4 Tuesday 7- 9pm, Meadowbrook Community Center
  • 12/5 Wednesday 7-9pm, Magnuson Community Center
  • 12/6 Thursday 7-9pm, Northgate Community Center

The announcement and description of these meetings is available here.

Magnuson Park
We’d like to get more involved in the Magnuson Park planning process through upcoming public meetings (Saturday, Nov. 17, 11 a.m. - 1:30 pm Monday, Nov. 19, 5 - 7:30 pm Tuesday, Nov. 27, 6:30 - 9 pm).  Magnuson’s Building 2 (147,966 square feet) does not have a clear fate and will likely be torn down. Perhaps a pool could take its place? The Parks department describes the status of Building 2 on its Magnuson Park site:

"[Request for Proposal] unsuccessful … failed to identify any developers… mothball and consider eventual demolish; under preliminary review as possible regional skateboard facility"

Other Pool Action
A group on the Eastside (SplashForAll) has its own pool project in the works: the Eastside Regional Aquatics Complex. Their group is currently seeking letters of support for aquatics funding in the 2008 King County Budget. Their letter explains how you can help.

New Project Coordinator
Christine Larsen has transitioned to her new role on the Board of Parks Commissioners for the City of Seattle. Elizabeth Nelson will take over coordination of Project Outdoor Pool but will need help filling Christine’s experienced shoes. Please contact elizabeth@seattlepools.org to join the team. She appreciates every helping hand!