The rescued Evergreen Community Aquatics Center will be holding what’s known as a “soft opening” this coming Monday, April 19th, with swimming lessons, water aerobics, lap swims and more available almost all day.

And don’t forget – there will be a free public swims on Saturday, May 1st (the official grand opening day), as well as right after the White Center Spring Clean on May 15th.

Here’s some info from a press release:

Opening Monday, April 19th!

We’ve been scrubbing, painting and gardening – we’ve got your pool in shape and ready to go! All we’re missing is you!

We’ll be open next week for lessons and lap swims – come in or check our still-under-construction website www.evergreenpool.org for details.

Lessons are generally from from 9:00 to 12:00 and 4:00 to 6:00; vertical exercise / water aerobics from 7:00 to 9:00; and lap swims almost all day – let us know what you need, as accommodations can be made while we’re building our schedule.

Remember our Grand Opening with free public swim on May 1st, and our free public swim for all of those participating in the White Center Spring Clean on May 15th.

Drop by when you can – we hope you’ll love what we’ve done with the place.

For more information, check out their website here.

We recently received an update on the status of White Center’s Evergreen Pool from the folks at Whitewater Aquatics, and the most current info we have is that Whitewater made a presentation to the Highline School Board last week.

The basics from their Powerpoint presentation (download link here):

• Whitewater needs more funding to re-open the pool in March 2010.
• If Whitewater can reach agreement with the Highline School District (HSD) to manage the pool, it will be opened to all members of the community for swim lessons, senior exercise, family swims and swim teams.
• If Whitewater does not take over operation of Evergreen Pool, the mothballed facility will revert to HSD in March 2010 presumably still closed and in need of repairs. The funds committed by King County to repair and re-open the pool could be lost.
• Whitewater has privately raised $50,000 to fund our operating costs as we open and re-establish operations.

Here are the details from their presentation we received via email from Julie Dow:

Ed Marrs presented the attached to The Highline School Board this week, on behalf of the parents of Whitewater Swim Club and our efforts to save Evergreen Pool . We’re in our “11-th hour” but, yet, remain optimistic. The county is trying to help, but time is ticking. The school board is deciding. We need to get the pool open by March to succeed with our plan, we’ve raised quite a bit of money privately, we need to move quickly.

HISTORY OF EVERGREEN POOL

• Evergreen Pool was one of the many area pools funded by “Forward Thrust” bonds.
• Ownership of the pool reverts to HSD from King County in March 201o.
• King County closed the pool September 1, 2009, but has approved budgeted funds for needed repairs and contingency.
• The pool and surrounding ball fields were “excluded” from the annexation area of Burien, the city choosing instead to allow these resources to revert to The Highline School District.
• Whitewater Swim Club (established in 2002) has been working for nearly a year to form and fund a not-for-profit llc, WWAM to manage the pool.
• Due to re-organization of County Execs office, the county has decided not to work on a lease of only 3 months, instead asking WWAM to work directly with HSD.

WHO IS WHITEWATER AQUATICS MANAGEMENT LLC?

• We are a non-profit group formed by leaders of our community for the sole purpose of operating Evergreen Pool in a private-public partnership. Our detailed business plan is attached to this summary.
• We have privately raised $50,000 to fund our operating costs as we open and re-establish operations.
• We have worked extensively over the last year to secure community support, $300,000 in funding from King County and to build a coalition that will re-open this valuable community resource. We seek to open the pool to meet immediate community needs and to be part of a long term solution for this asset.
• We manage a separate entity, Whitewater Swim Club, a not-for-profit swim club which is governed by a parent board of directors and professionally managed. We are sanctioned by USA Swimming and have over 70 youths age 7-21 on our team. Several of our swimmers compete on Highline High and Mt. Rainier High Swim Teams. The swim club will pay for its pool time to the LLC which manages the pool.

WHAT ARE HSD’s OPTIONS?

• If WWAM can reach agreement with HSD to manage the pool, the pool will be opened to all members of the community for swim lessons, senior exercise, family swims and swim teams.
• If WWAM does not take over operation of Evergreen Pool, the mothballed facility will revert to HSD in March 2010 presumably still closed and in need of repairs. The funds committed by King County to repair and re-open the pool could be lost.

WHY EVERGREEN MATTERS

• A positive youth activity.
• An economically challenged neighborhood, White Center, needs good alternatives.
• A “no cut” sport that is inclusive to all, from the disabled to the competitive.
• We are surrounded by water. The death rate from drowning is nearly twice the national average in low income areas.
• Creating life long fitness and activity habits and impacting child obesity rates.

WHAT WILL EVERGREEN OFFER W/WWAM AS MANAGER?

• Community and Family Swim time
• Senior Citizen Water Exercise and Social Programs
• Lifeguard Training
• Swimming Lessons for Children, including free or low cost lessons for low income families
• Competitive Swim Club for youth ages seven to twenty one, including athletes from Highline Schools
• Training for tri athletes and adult competitors
• Water Safety Instruction for boating and general safety
• Scuba Certification Training
• Adult Exercise and Swim Lessons

WWAM IS ASKING HSD FOR:

• Ten year “lease” at $1.00 per year.
• No financial support from the district.
• A contact person with HSD who is empowered to work with WWAM toward mutual goals.
• An agreement in place in the near term. To meet the income requirements of a solid business plan, the pool must be open for the “busy” spring lesson season, not later than March 1, 2010.
• Assistance in involving municipalities to provide a long term plan for the pool and area needs.
• Hold capital contingency funds provided by the county in a reserve to be used as needed.

A COMMUNITY OF SUPPORTERS

• Dow Constantine
• North Highline Area Unincorporated Council
• 34th District Democrats

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Burien City Council Reacts To County’s Desire To Sell Puget Sound Park
• Update On Status Of Evergreen Pool From Whitewater Aquatics
• PHOTOS & SOUNDS: Scenes From Monday Night’s Rally To Save Evergreen Pool
• Want To Save Evergreen Pool? Rally Tonight From 5-7pm
• King County “Mothballing” 39 Parks, More Than A Third Of Which Are In The Area

Courtesy Whitewater Aquatics Board of Directors President Ed Marrs comes this update on the status of Evergreen Pool, which closed Sept. 1st:

Negotiations between King County, Highline School District and Whitewater Aquatics Management, LLC (WWAM) continue regarding pending repairs and maintenance to the Evergreen pool, and takeover of the management of the pool by WWAM. King County has agreed to make renovations to the pool, but asked WWAM to have access to $100,000 in seed money to absorb the costs of re-opening the pool.

To date, WWAM has contributed $30,000 and last week they received contributions or pledges from WhiteWater families for another $8,000. Some families are pursuing corporate gifts or grants from their employers (they are a non-profit, so any contributions are tax-deductible).

Whitewater’s goal is to have the necessary funding in place so they can take over and re-open the pool on January 1st, 2010.

Aside from avoiding the problems of pool closures faced by other swim clubs (including Des Moines’ Mt. Rainier Pool), Whitewater has a unique opportunity to assume complete control of the operation, a position rarely afforded other clubs. As such, they’ll continue to offer the same family-friendly schedules and practice frequencies.

According to Marrs, Whitewater has two issues that they need help from the public with:

1. “The king county council has said that in the Executive budget to the rest of the council there is money for some capital improvement projects.  It is imperative to us that this money is approved as is.  In past pool transfers, capital improvement money has been passed along to the group that has taken over the pool.  We need to get the public to e-mail the King County Council and let them know that this money in the budget needs to passed.  Here’s a link to a page where people can give input to the council:  http://www.kingcounty.gov/council/budget/Testify_Online.aspx
2. WhiteWater Aquatics is in a unique position.  We are the first group to take over operation of a pool without the backing of a city.  The county is asking us to have approximately $100,000 in reserve to re-open the pool.  This money will be used for advertising, payroll, and supplies to get us going until we get money coming in from our programming.  To this end we are going to need financial support directly from the community.  We are asking citizens and businesses to donate to our management group.  We are a 501(c)(3) so all donations are tax deductible.  If for some reason we are unable to reopen the pool we will return all donations.  I have attached a letter we are sending out to the public:

Dear Friends of Evergreen Pool,

As you know, the Evergreen pool was closed on August 31st. Due to budgetary shortfalls, King County has decided to mothball the pool. We are very fortunate to have a second pool in Tukwila for the community’s use; however, it too is slated for closure in December, 2010.

A team of dedicated Whitewater Aquatics members have been working hard evaluating all of the possible solutions for keeping the Evergreen pool open and available to the community. When comparing the Evergreen Pool to successful pool management plans, it became apparent that there was unrealized potential with the Evergreen Pool. Our plan would be to operate it as a community pool with a more efficient business plan by:

• Utilizing streamlined swim lessons
• Efficient group usage and special groups’ access that maximizes staff time.
• And most importantly, an ongoing advertising and marketing outreach

Together, these operating strategies would generate a profitable revenue stream that other successful pool management plans have achieved.

We have formed a non-profit company Whitewater Aquatics Management, LLC (hereafter known as WWAM) to try and save Evergreen! We presented a detailed business plan to King County and the Highline School district where WWAM would assume management of the Evergreen Pool no later than January 1, 2010. The King County council is requiring WWAM to have access to $100,000 in seed money to ensure the long term viability of the pool.

We have secured a $30,000 loan but we need to raise $70,000 more to meet our goal. We are currently exploring several fundraising options including community fundraisers and grants but these things take time and will be utilized for ongoing operational costs in the future. We are faced with a short time line to get the pool up and running for January 1, 2010 so we are asking our membership and the community for donations to help achieve this goal. We ask that you share this letter with any other potentially interested parties.

We would ask that you donate as generously as you can and have the following giving levels:

• $100-$250-Friends of Evergreen
• $250-$500 -Patrons of Evergreen
• $500-$1,000 -The Evergreen Circle
• $1,000 and above – The Evergreen Gold Club

By giving at these levels, you will be acknowledged by name on a giving wall that will be on display at Evergreen. In addition you will be invited to a reception and re-opening event.

Clearly we understand that these are difficult times, but our hope is to encourage everyone to give at whatever level they are able. No donation is too small; if everyone can give even a small amount we will be able to reopen this pool. This donation is tax deductible as Whitewater Aquatics is a non-profit organization. Each person is encouraged to review our business plan which is available upon request. In the event the Evergreen Pool management transition does not occur, the money will be returned to you promptly.

Please make all checks payable to WWAM and mail all donations to:

WWAM
PO Box 46517
Seattle, WA 98146

Please include your name, mailing address, phone number and an email address. If you would like your donation to remain anonymous please indicate that along with your donation.

You will promptly receive an email confirmation of your donation along with a receipt for tax purposes.

Any questions can be directed to Bryan Hastings at (206) 291-7141 or Head Coach Joel Schweiger at (951) 218-1790.

Sincerely,
WhiteWater Aquatics Management

White Center’s Evergreen Pool is holding its annual “April Pool’s Day” this Saturday, April 25th from Noon to 2:30pm.

The event is to promote water safety to children and families. It is FREE and will be FUN for everyone. We will have safety demonstrations, activities and hand outs to inform people on how to be water safe. We will also have canoe rides available in the pool and discuss the importance of wearing lifejackets while requiring them to be worn while riding in the canoes.

Here are the details:

WHAT: “April Pool’s Day” at Evergreen Pool

WHEN: Saturday, April 25th from Noon to 2:30pm

WHERE: Evergreen Pool is located at 606 SW 116th Street in Seattle (map below); phone: 206-296-4410

COST: It’s FREE!

INFO: An experienced and friendly staff invites you to join loyal patrons of all ages to enjoy King County’s only nine-lane indoor pool. The Evergreen Pool is located in the North Highline neighborhood near the southern edge of Lakewood Park, adjacent to the campus of Evergreen High School. Open year-round, the pool is 25 yards in width with nine lanes for lap swimming and a very large shallow water play area for families and young children.

Pool rentals are available at this facility. Groups receive exclusive access to the pool, including lifeguards. There is also a large enclosed outdoor patio for summer parties.

FEATURES:

• Water basketball
• Small water slide (young children)
• Shallow water stairs
• Hydro-powered personal water lift

HOURS:

• Mon / Wed / Fri: 9 AM – 8 PM
• Tues / Thurs: 11:30 AM – 8 PM
• Sat: 11:30 AM – 2 PM
• Closed Sundays

Keep in mind that Evergreen Pool also holds a family movie night on their big screen, with the next one scheduled for Friday, May 1st. The cost is $5, or just $4 if you bring in a can of food for the White Center Food Bank. Movie lovers can float and watch the movie in the pool!

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The White Center Blog proudly welcomes its latest Advertiser: the American Cancer Society, which provides hope for a cure for cancer through the upcoming Relay For Life, to be held June 13th and 14th at Highline Stadium just a few miles south in Burien.

Everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer. And for the volunteers who are busy planning the 4th Annual Relay For Life of Highline, it’s those personal stories that keep them going.

Set to take place June 13th and 14at at Highline Stadium, the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life provides a way for everyone to fight back against cancer.

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature activity. Teams of people will camp out on the field at Highline Stadium and take turns walking or running around the track. Relays are an overnight event, up to 24 hours in length, to represent that cancer patients battle the disease 24 hours a day.

Teams can be made up of family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors who have fun while raising much-needed funds to fight cancer and raise awareness. No matter who you are, there’s a place for you at Relay.

One in three people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. The money raised at Relay saves lives by funding cutting-edge cancer research, early detection and prevention education, advocacy efforts, and life-affirming patient services. It is because of Relay that we are able to save lives, help those battling cancer and empower all to fight back against the disease.

Relay also allows all individuals an opportunity to celebrate the lives of those who have survived cancer and to remember those who have been lost to the disease. For the newly diagnosed, Relay is a healing experience that offers a chance to meet others who have claimed victory over cancer. For the caregivers who give their time, love, and support to their friends and family who face cancer it provides hope and understanding.

Highlights of the event include the Opening Ceremonies at 3pm which include the Cancer Survivor Victory Lap. The Victory Lap is an opportunity for the community to come together and show support for those who have gone through or are still fighting cancer. Immediately following the Victory Lap is the Cancer Survivors Social; all cancer survivors and their caregivers are invited to enjoy the good food and share stories with other survivors and caregivers. At 10pm, the Luminaria Ceremony provides a time for everyone to pause and reflect on those we have lost to cancer and those who are still battling the disease.

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraiser and is planned by volunteers in our community. Event Chair Gary McNeil says he got involved “because I lost my dad to cancer and I wanted to feel like I was contributing to a solution. Relay provides me the opportunity to support cancer patients and really make a difference.” Gary started out as a team captain and stepped up to fill the role of Event Chair because “it’s an important cause to me, and I wanted to do what I could to help out.”

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. No matter who you are, we can help. If you, or someone you know, have been diagnosed with cancer the American Cancer Society can provide support and services to help you through the cancer journey.

If you would like more information about Relay For Life or services the American Cancer Society provides, please contact Kelly Cochran at 206.674.4103 or at kelly.cochran@cancer.org.

And please visit the website at www.relayforlife.org/highlinewa, where you can sign a team up, join one, or donate online.

We’ll see you there!

Here’s a video with more information:

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The White Center Blog would like to welcome its latest Advertiser: Highline Athletic Club!

You know how lucky we are to have the Highline Athletic Club in the neighborhood? It’s just been named as #10 on About.com’s Top 10 Athletic Clubs in the Seattle area, and guess what readers: #s1-9 are in Bellevue & Seattle. As a matter of fact, after 21 years in Burien, HAC is still the only club that has a pool (heated to 84 degrees) and a gymnasium where members can play basketball or the very popular pickle ball. It also has a Pilates Reformer Studio, which you won’t find in the south end, except of course at the Highline Athletic Club.

We recently sat down with General Manager Dona Forrester to find out what’s so special about HAC. Dona’s been with the club for 16.5 years and GM for 10.5 years. She drives in every day from Maple Valley…so you know she’s gotta love her job at the club. Why? Because HAC has fantastic owners, great staff & clientele and offers a first-class facility.

Dona, an avid marathoner, has run in 12 marathons – 4 of them being the Boston Marathon. That’s why it makes sense for Dona to train prospective marathoners for the upcoming June Rock ‘N’ Roll Seattle Marathon. Training for the ½ marathon & full marathon will begin in February. This program is available for members and non-members. For more information email her at dona@highlineathleticclub.com. Haven’t heard of this marathon? It will be held on Saturday June 27th and will become a SeaFair signature event and will help kick-off this summer festival. The route starts in Tukwila and will feature 70 live bands and finish at Qwest Field. Will Dona be running? The verdict is still out.

In the WCB tradition, we ran through a hands-on exercise routine with personal trainer Karen S. on some of the equipment—after stretching, of course. Luckily for us, each new membership comes with three sessions with a personal trainer. This particular session focused on the outer body (joint and leg and arm muscles), next we’ll work on those (hopeful) washboard abs, or the inner body.

If the equipment doesn’t suit your needs, there are over 50 “GroupX” classes. These Body Training System classes have been carefully designed to deliver simple, fun and effective social exercise experiences independent of barriers like gender, age or fitness levels.

At Highline Athletic Club, Dona and her staff are continually creating new ways to help members gain a lean and healthier body. New this January (starting January 19) is “4 Weeks 4 Ways” which is a diet and exercise program meeting once each week for four weeks. Participants will explore four popular diet plans. They will take the “best of the best” from each diet and exercise program that fits their lifestyle needs. Expect to receive recipe tastings, recipes, weekly plan education and personal calorie and exercise calculations.

For more information, contact Deb at debbie@highlineathleticclub.com or call the club at 206-246-9000. This program is available to members and non-members.

If you feel that time has come to join a gym, Dona feels that before you make the decision check out what the club provides:

• Is the location convenient?
• Is it clean?
• Does it offer everything you want?
• Are you comfortable in the environment?
• Is the staff friendly?
• Are the trainers educated?
• Do they offer assistance in getting you started?
• How busy are the areas you want to use during your workout time?
• Does it have a variety of amenities to choose from like a gym, swimming pool, steam/sauna, Jacuzzi, indoor running track, showers and lockers?

To visit the Highline Athletic Club, simply stop in and they will be happy to show you the facility, located at 125 South 156th in Burien (see map below). If you’d like to set up a specific time or would like to try the club on a free guest pass email Dona at dona@highlineathleticclub.com to set an appointment.

Join by the end of January for ZERO enrollment fees (regularly $140-$200). Dues are month to month, no contract, no sales pressure.

This is an exceptional offer from the friendly folks at HAC – stop by and see them, or click their Ad to check out their website.

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