On Saturday morning (May 1), numerous residents and dignitaries gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at White Center’s Evergreen Community Aquatics Center, marking the official grand re-opening of the pool, which was closed by the county last August.

On hand with large, oversized, fully-functioning sharp scissors were King County Executive Dow Constantine, Rep. Sharon Nelson, Burien Mayor Joan McGilton, Deputy Mayor Rose Clark, Evergreen Aquatic General Manager Joel Schweiger, Rep. Eileen Cody, and Greg Duff, former President of the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council.

After the ceremonies, the pool was opened to all for a free swim.

The next free swim will be after the White Center Spring Cleanup on Saturday, May 15th (more info here).

Here are Photos taken by Michael Brunk at Monday’s re-opening:

Click to Play Michael Brunk’s Slideshow

Also, our friends at KING5.com have posted this video report:

This Saturday (May 1) at 10:30am, King County Executive Dow Constantine, along with Burien Mayor Joan McGilton and Keith Coole of the Highline School District, will join Ed Marrs, president of White Water Aquatics LLC for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at White Center’s Evergreen Community Aquatics Center.

This celebration will be followed by a free family swim for the entire White Center Community.

White Water Aquatics, along with dozens of citizens of White Center, have worked countless hours to re-open The Evergreen Commuinty Aquatics Center since it was closed by King County due to budget shortfalls last August (read our previous coverage here). Everyone is invited to this celebration and the subsequent “free swim” afterward.

“Special emphasis is being placed on developing programs which provide swimming instruction to disadvantaged communities, special needs populations and senior citizens – as well as dedicated access for lap swimmers and family swim time”, said Joel Schweiger, recently named general manager of Evergreen, and head coach for White Water Aquatics.

Last month, officials of White Water Aquatics Management, LLC, a not-for-profit subsidiary of an area swim team, announced an agreement to re-open the pool for the community at large. The parents of children who compete on the Whitewater Aquatics Swim Team have worked with The Highline School District and King County to develop an operating agreement over the last year. Private donations were raised by White Water Aquatics families and friends.

“Swimming and water recreation offer lifelong health and safety benefits, and we are happy to again offer the important benefits of swimming to White Center, our community”, said Ed Marrs, president of Whitewater Aquatics, and a professional firefighter in The North Highline Fire District. “Our unique public-private partnership is an example of how citizens can mobilize and assist government in challenging times”, he continued.

About Evergreen Community Aquatic Center
The Evergreen Community Aquatic Center, formerly Evergreen Pool, is located at 606 SW 116th Street in Unincorporated King County. Built as one of the forward thrust bond issue pools in the 1960’s, it was operated by King County. In January, ownership of the pool reverted to The Highline School District, which did not have the funding to re-open the pool. The pool is adjacent to the Burien annexation area but will remain in Unincorporated King County.

About Whitewater Swim Club
Whitewater Swim Team Club is a not-for-profit swim club which is governed by a parent board of directors, and coached by professionals. Sanctioned by USA Swimming, which governs the sport to the Olympic level, the club has over 80 youth’s age 7-21 training competitively. The swim club is open to all.

For more information, visit the pool’s website here; to download a schedule, click here (PDF file).

After being closed by King County on Aug. 31, 2009, on Monday (April 19), the newly-dubbed “Evergreen Community Aquatics Center” re-opened with swimming lessons, open laps and more.

The big Grand Opening is scheduled for Saturday, May 1st, with a free public swim. Another free swim is scheduled to immediately follow the White Center Spring Clean on May 15th.

The Evergreen Community Aquatic Center, formerly Evergreen Pool, is located at 606 SW 116th Street next to the Evergreen High School campus. Built as one of the forward thrust bond issue pools in the 1960’s, until last year it was operated by King County. In January, ownership of the pool reverted to The Highline School District, which did not have the funding to re-open the pool.

Here’s a link to the pool’s schedule, which includes pricing info (PDF file).

Here are Photos taken by Michael Brunk at Monday’s re-opening:

Click to Play Michael Brunk’s Slideshow

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.

WhiteWater Aquatics Management will be opening their newly-rescued and re-named Evergreen Community Aquatic Center for a free, two-hour public swim after the White Center Spring Clean on Saturday, May 135th.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Free two-hour public swim at Evergreen Aquatic Center after the White Center Spring Clean

WHEN: Saturday, May 15th from 3pm – 5pm

WHERE: Evergreen Community Aquatic Center, located at 606 Southwest 116th Street.

INFO: From an email:

Drop by the Pool after your hard day’s work!

Join us for a Free Public Swim!

WhiteWater Aquatics Management is pleased to invite you to the re-opened Evergreen Community Aquatic Center after the White Center Spring Clean on May 15th.

We can’t wait to have you play around in the pool after all the work you’ve done!

Bring the kids to play – we’ll have the pool toys available, and Life Guards and Water Safety Instructors on deck to keep an eye on them.

Check out our new swim programs, jump in the pool, or just cool off on the patio with your friends.

We’ll be glad to meet you again.

Saturday, May 15th from 3:00 to 5:00

“See you…at the Pool!”

On Wednesday, March 24th, White Water Aquatics Management announced that it will be re-opening White Center’s Evergreen Pool “by May 1st” in a unique private/public partnership with the Highline School District.

As we’ve previously reported, Evergreen Pool shuttered its doors on Sept. 1, 2009, and has remained closed since. This new agreement appears to have been finalized at Wednesday night’s Highline School District board meeting, and repairs are already underway, including planning for a spring break scrub-and-paint marathon.

“Swimming and water recreation offer lifelong health and safety benefits, and we are so pleased to be able to offer this programming to White Center and our community”, said Ed Marrs, president of Whitewater Aquatics, and a professional firefighter in The North Highline Fire District. “We would like to thank The Highline School District, King County, Dow Constantine and dozens of Whitewater Swim Team Families who all worked tirelessly to ensure that we could open this pool. Our unique public-private partnership is an example of how citizens can mobilize and assist government in challenging times”, he continued.

“It’s a hectic time at The Evergreen Community Aquatic Center, but we are truly excited to embark on this new venture,” said newly appointed pool manager, current WWA Head Coach Joel Schweiger. “We hope to release our calendar and start promoting spring swim lessons by April 5th.”

Schweiger, an accomplished competitive swimmer, has managed several pools in California and has over 14 years coaching experience up to the highest levels of the sport.

Here’s the full press release:

Evergreen Community Aquatics Center set to re-open by May 1st in unique private/public Partnership

A non-profit swim team, and its volunteer parent directors, work with Highline School District, King County and Dow Constantine to open pool in White Center.

Officials of White Water Aquatics Management, LLC, a not-for-profit subsidiary of an area swim team, today announce that they have reached an agreement to re-open Evergreen Community Aquatic Center (formerly Evergreen Pool) in White Center on or before May 1, 2010. From the time King County closed the pool last summer, the parents of children who compete on the Whitewater Aquatics Swim Team have worked with The Highline School District and King County to develop an operating agreement. White Water Aquatics Management has developed a business plan to operate the pool with a full range of programming for diverse community needs, and has raised over $50,000 in private donations to get started.

“Swimming and water recreation offer lifelong health and safety benefits, and we are so pleased to be able to offer this programming to White Center and our community”, said Ed Marrs, president of Whitewater Aquatics, and a professional firefighter in The North Highline Fire District. “We would like to thank The Highline School District, King County, Dow Constantine and dozens of Whitewater Swim Team Families who all worked tirelessly to ensure that we could open this pool. Our unique public-private partnership is an example of how citizens can mobilize and assist government in challenging times”, he continued.

With repairs underway, planning for a spring break scrub-and-paint marathon, lesson calendars and schedule planning in the works – as well an operating swim team preparing for several swim meets – it’s a “hectic time at The Evergreen Community Aquatic Center, but we are truly excited to embark on this new venture”, said newly appointed pool manager, current WWA Head Coach Joel Schweiger. “We hope to release our calendar and start promoting spring swim lessons by April 5th.” Schweiger, an accomplished competitive swimmer, has managed several pools in California and has over fourteen years coaching experience up to the highest levels of the sport.

About Evergreen Community Aquatic Center
The Evergreen Community Aquatic Center, formerly Evergreen Pool, is located at 606 SW 116th Street in Unincorporated King County. Built as one of the forward thrust bond issue pools in the 1960’s, until last year it was operated by King County. In January, ownership of the pool reverted to The Highline School District, which did not have the funding to re-open the pool. The pool is adjacent to the Burien annexation area but will remain in Unincorporated King County.

About Whitewater Swim Club
Whitewater Swim Team Club is a not-for-profit swim club which is governed by a parent board of directors, and coached by professionals. Sanctioned by USA Swimming, which governs the sport all up to the Olympic level, the club has over 80 youths age 7-21 on our team. Several of the swimmers at Whitewater also compete on Highline High and Mt. Rainier High Swim Teams, as well five area summer league teams. The swim club is open to all who would like to compete, and it will pay for its pool time at Evergreen Community Aquatics Center.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• School Board Meeting On Evergreen Pool Is March 24
• 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

This Wednesday, March 24th, there will be an important Highline School District board meeting, with a vote on turning over operations of White Center’s Evergreen Pool to Whitewater Aquatics on the agenda.

The meeting is at 6pm at New Start Alternative High School (formerly known as Salmon Creek Elementary), located at 614 SW 120th Street.

According to an email we received:

At this meeting we expect the board to vote on the contract to turn over the operations of the Evergreen pool to us.

We are asking that WhiteWater members attend this meeting to show support for this transfer.

Please wear as much WhiteWater attire as you have to identify us to the school board. Information on the meeting is below.

We will be having Head Coach Joel talk, as well as a senior swimmer. Come show your support!

- Ed Marrs

Wednesday, March 24, 2010 – beginning at 6 p.m.
New Start Alternative High School (also known as Salmon Creek Elementary)
614 SW 120th St, Seattle 98146

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

Robin Hoof, longtime swim coach and teacher for the Highline School District (including at Evergreen High School), lost her battle against cancer and passed away Oct. 22nd.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 8th at 1pm at the Highline Performing Arts Center, located next to Highline High School in Burien.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence or the “Pay for Play” sports program in memory of Robin.

Her mother has asked that people wear purple to the service, since that was Robin’s favorite color.

Donations can be sent to:

Highline Schools Foundation
245 Southwest 152nd Street, Suite D.
Burien, WA 98166
206-248-5196

Robin Hoof was a teacher and swim coach with the Highline School District for 20 years. At Evergreen High School she taught French, and also served as swim coach for the boys and girls teams at Highline High School.

Previously, our sister site The B-Town Blog reported on a fundraiser car wash held by Advertiser Vision Collision in early October.

There is also a Facebook page called “Hope For Robin,” set up in Robin’s honor.

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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