Now that the revised Parks Strategic Action Plan (SAP) is available, let’s review how this document supports the push for pools.

The SAP cites the Mayor’s promise to "Build Strong Families and Healthy Communities:"

“Healthy communities are the heart of a great city… As Mayor, I want to foster a renewed commitment to our neighborhoods. That means paying attention to the needs of each community and responding to those needs in a meaningful way.” – Mayor Greg Nickels

Indeed, our communities are calling for outdoor pools as gathering places for families and indoor pools as healthy resources for all ages during Seattle’s rainy months.

The vision, mission and values of Seattle Parks and Rec described in the SAP are supportive of exactly the kinds of benefits provided by pools. 

• Vision: "Creating community" 
• Values: Programs that  "Encourage health and fitness" and "Provide opportunities for lifelong play, creativity, learning, and discovery."

The SAP also supports planning for pools, including planning for upgrades to community centers that include pools:

I.2. Analyze system-wide needs and develop criteria for acquisition of new land, facilities, and fixed assets:

i. Conduct a citywide parks and open space analysis for 2010 and 2020, including future programming needs, demographic trends, and geographic distribution, that identifies the types and locations of park property (e.g., neighborhood park, wildlife corridor) and facilities (e.g., community centers, pools) that will be needed

IV.4. Assess costs associated with upgrading the nine facilities not upgraded in the three most recent levies: community centers at Hiawatha, Green Lake, Jefferson, Loyal Heights, Queen Anne, Magnolia, and Rainier Beach; the gym at Van Asselt Community Center, Rainier Beach Pool, and the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center.