Access to public aquatics is woefully underserved
We believe that communities are stronger when people have places to be active and social together. We believe that aquatic activities are the healthiest way to stay active for people of all ages and abilities. And we believe that people, in a great region like ours, deserve world-class public aquatic facilities that serve our shared needs for health, exercise, water safety and social interaction.
Our region has had no new public aquatics facilities since the ‘70’s Forward Thrust era, yet King County has added over a million people in that time and specifically over 200,000 people on the Eastside. We want to better serve the youth, families, recreational users, aquatics sports enthusiasts, aquatics rehab and therapy users and seniors in our community. With over 900 on local public Learn-to-Swim waitlists and surrounded by water in our communities, water safety through affordable learn-to-swim programming and public accessibility are paramount.
Bellevue Aquatics Center - Built 1970, transferred from King County 1997 to City of Bellevue
Juanita HS Pool - Built in 1971
Redmond Pool - Built in 1972, transferred from KC in 2010 to City of Redmond
Mary Wayte Pool - Built in 1973, transferred from KC in 2011 to School District
Bellevue
Our community’s public aquatic services levels are not being met. Our community pools and private clubs are the backbone to our community aquatics programming.
1970
Last new public pool built
900+
Learn to swim waiting lists
39%
Ages 45 and up
40%+
foreign born
Serving a small percentage of the great need
Waiting lists causing families to seek private instructors
Large active adult and growing senior community
Bellevue is the 5th Largest City in WA and 40% foreign born
Lanes in High Demand
Bellevue is the only Western Washington School District without a Competition Pool. 4 High Schools w/ Swim, Dive & Water Polo programs training outdoors in 1950’s community pools.
One public pool trying to meet aquatics therapy for sports rehab, aging seniors, veterans & special needs.
Limited fitness and aquatics programming with spaces to socialize for active adults & seniors.
Large summer league aquatics programming in community pools. Limited & capped year round club team opportunities (swim, dive, water polo, synchro).
Segments of our community without public access to Learn to Swim. Most underserved are teens, disabled and seniors.