Mission & History – SPLASHForward

Our mission

SPLASHForward is...

A community advocacy group, an aquatics thought leader, and a private funding vehicle spearheading the advocacy efforts to bring best in class public world class sustainable aquatics facilities to our Eastside communities and the region. We aim to go beyond meeting the aquatics and wellness needs of the community. We envision accessible, culturally inclusive, operationally efficient and vibrant hubs built on a foundation of lasting local partnerships for many generations to come.

Our advocacy serves the broad aquatic needs for a full range of fitness, recreation, health, wellness, and competitive aquatics programs for all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

Sample Images

Not just another pool

Our vision includes…

an inclusive design-forward, community experience where everyone belongs
a gathering place of pride and equity for our community
a place that promotes health, wellness & personal growth through fitness, sport, recreation and lifestyle activities and services for everyone
an , affordable, accessible, operationally efficient, sustainable facility

Listen to learn more ...

Listen to a recent podcast talking with our SPLASHForward Board President, Susan Pappalardo, about our mission and bringing a public aquatic center to Bellevue, WA.

Recorded in April, 2020

OUR STORY

Our SPLASHForward History

In early 2017, the beginnings of SPLASHForward formed as the original 2006-2010 SPLASH efforts came to a close. The original SPLASH stands for Swimming Pools for Leisure, Active Sports and Health. SPLASHForward has a renewed and broadened focus advocating for the aquatics needs of all Eastside residents.

The Forward gives a nod back to the ambitious Forward Thrust efforts in the mid 1960’s and early 70’s that brought 16 indoor pools and 1 outdoor pool to our region for the purpose to provide health and wellness opportunities to our communities. We give a special nod to James Ellis who relentlessly pursued the vision to bring community capital projects that had broad impact to the region.

Who we are

Our community

SPLASHForward’s core is made up of regional aquatics experts in the disciplines of swimming, diving, water polo, artistic swimming, and triathlons including age-group, high school, masters and Olympians. SPLASHForward has broadened this strong base and has built and continues to build relationships within the community to bring the voices of our broader community, including families young and old, seniors, individuals with intellectual disabilities, medical wellness businesses and the aquatics underserved. Important to this project is bringing together our diverse population. We are actively reaching out to engage and educate our community on the great needs to better serve the health and wellness for all.

Our Role

We are creating long lasting partnerships within our communities that will enable everyone in our community to have access to affordable aquatics opportunities and most importantly be water safe! Our role goes beyond realizing much needed new public aquatics facilities. The partnerships we cultivate and the relationships we build will sustain our facilities long after they open through broad programming opportunities that adapt as our communities needs evolve. We are in it for the long term!

Partnering with the City of Redmond to secure life jackets and water safety information for Redmond residents.

Perspective from Olympian Mary Wayte Bradburne

In honor of Women’s History Month, we were lucky to interview Mary Wayte Bradburne one of America’s greatest female swimmers. Mary is a 2x Olympic Gold Medalist from the 1984 LA Olympics and Silver and Bronze medalist from the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Mary shared with us her personal water journey, her favorite memory from the Olympics, and why she is so supportive for our efforts. She shares with us a wise words of advice, so give our podcast a listen!

SPLASHForward · Mary Wayte Interview March 21 2022

Mary Wayte Bradburne

A local Olympian

Mary grew up on Mercer Island participating in swimming through community programming. She is a 2x Olympic Gold Medalist from the 1984 LA Olympics and Silver and Bronze medalist from the 1988 Seoul Olympics. The Mary Wayte Pool on Mercer Island was named in her honor.

Our Newest Local Facilities

Very few new public aquatics facilities have been built in our region since the early 1970’s. Our communities are grossly underserved in public aquatics facilities and the age of our existing 50yr old facilities makes them a maintenance burden. Below are the most recent new public aquatics facilities that have been built.

Lynnwood Community & Recreation Center

Completed in 2011

Snohomish Aquatic Center

Completed in 2013

SAMMamish community Aquatic Center

Completed in 2016

Rainer Beach Community Pool

Completed in 2013