Join Waitsburg Parks and Rec in Bringing A Pool Back to Our Community

Donations are accepted by the Friends of the Waitsburg Pool, through Rural Youth Enrichment Services, a 501c3 nonprofit.

In 2022, the city of Waitsburg decommissioned its 100-year-old pool because of structural damage it incurred. An architectural assessment found the pool’s structure, plumbing, and outbuildings had far exceeded their anticipated life expectancy and should be replaced. The pool was built in 1925, with significant renovations in the 1970s and mid-1990s. 

Despite community efforts to sustain the pool, its location and age were found to be undermining the pool’s structural integrity and the pool was closed.   

The Waitsburg Parks and Recreation District subsequently surveyed district residents in 2022 and 2023 asking what its No. 1 priority should be. The community response was overwhelmingly consistent, “build a new pool.” 

As a result, Waitsburg Parks and Recreation, a junior taxing district of Walla Walla County, in partnership with the Friends of the Waitsburg Pool, Rural Youth Enrichment Services, city of Waitsburg, Waitsburg Commercial Club and the Walla Walla YMCA, rallied energetic volunteers and is tackling this 5-year project. 

Waitsburg residents, the late Dr. and Mrs. Roger Hevel, generously donated funds to pay for swimming lessons for all children in Waitsburg because of how dangerous it is for children to swim in the nearby Touchet River. Unfortunately, this community safety benefit is forfeited right now because our pool is closed. The city of Waitsburg has reimbursed part of the cost of pool passes for Waitsburg families at Prescott or Walla Walla pools. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics reports drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 and a top cause of teen deaths. Drownings in Washington exceed the national average and are highest for 15- to 24-year olds living in poverty. In the summer, we would like our children to spend time at the community pool because open bodies of water have hazards like dangerous currents, sudden drop-offs and debris. Over 90% of drowning deaths occur in rivers, wells, irrigation ditches, storage vessels and pools in low- and middle-income areas where travel distances for emergency care lead to more severe outcomes like disability or death. This health risk is mitigated with investment in community pools and water competency programs. 

Swimming lessons decrease drowning risk by up to 88%. Children who learn to swim build confidence, endurance, muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness; they maintain a healthy weight, improve heart and lung health, and reduce chronic disease. First Aid/CPR training helps area teens qualify as lifeguards and swim instructors, which supports the community’s social fabric and provides jobs in the community. The outcomes are improved skills and health, workforce development and a sustainable program that contributes to the town's economic resilience.  

In Fall 2022 our community held a pie baking contest, enjoyed special pool-themed cocktails at a local restaurant and pledged personal dollars to raise more than $32,000 in just a few weeks - including one resident who donated $10,000 and kicked off the effort. In spring 2023, the Friends of the Pool held a Luck of the Duck fundraiser and collected donations, raising another $4,000 in one weekend. The Friends of the Pool held a successful Pool Project Kickoff campaign in fall 2023 raising another $19,300. In 2024, the Luck of the Duck, Coe-mmunity Celebration and pie contest fundraisers were successful, and we continue to raise money through corporate sponsorships and private donations. The local YMCA has leant the expertise of its certified aquatics facility director and pool operator who are providing insight on pool features and their impact on future staff training and staffing. The Parks and Rec district has applied for numerous grants to fund the pool project and will continue to do so throughout the project.  

The district needs to complete a feasibility study to get our pool project off the ground. The feasibility study, funded by generous private donors, is expected to be delivered in late 2024. 

Waitsburg Parks and Rec District hired PBS Engineering and Environmental Inc. for a feasibility study on the pool location, which would cost an estimated $50,000 to $70,000. A new pool is estimated to cost $3.39 million to $10.87 million, depending on pool size and features.

As of October 2024, we have currently raised $72,138 and fundraising is ongoing.

The location of the pool is the No. 1 challenge, which is why we know we will need studies to make data-informed decisions. The old pool site is owned by the city of Waitsburg and the water table pressure may continue to push on the pool bottom resulting in future cracking and leaks. Should we seek an alternative site, we will need to identify a piece of land within city limits that is or can be connected to the city’s infrastructure for service. 

It is critical that these studies are completed so we know the pool we build will last another 100 years. 

You can support this important project by donating to Friends of the Waitsburg Pool on the Rural Youth Enrichment Services website.