Our role is critical in supporting our region's public aquatic facilities

Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Mount Rainier Pool and the legacy of James R. Ellis the Forward Thrust civic leader. Photos L to R: Scott Deschenes, Shane Stander; New celebration plaque; Susan, Jean and Bob Ellis (son of James R. Ellis)

Hello SPLASHForward Friend,

Happy second day of Fall! We find that no matter the time of year, it's always about SPLASHing Forward.

What a moment we’re in for aquatic investment in King County.

Through our water safety and learn-to-swim programs and strong regional partnerships, we’re seeing unprecedented momentum for new public pools. Despite challenges like the financial crisis facing Samena Swim & Recreation Club, there's real, growing investment in building the next wave of aquatic facilities to better serve our communities.

Samena has long been a reliable partner. We’re actively supporting their Phase 2 planning as they evolve to meet the needs of the future. This is part of a broader movement to close a 50+ year gap in providing equitable access to swimming and water safety that make our region healthier, safer, and more connected.

This past Sunday was a perfect snapshot of why SPLASHForward matters. From teaching a Lifeguard Skills class in the rain, to celebrating Mount Rainier Pool’s 50th anniversary and honoring the late James R. Ellis with other aquatic leaders, to meeting our students participating in lifeguard training at Bellevue Club, it was a full-circle day of community, gratitude, and impact.

Please find the time to read through this 'end of summer recap' over the course of your week or when you sit down to relax this weekend. We are splashing forward on your behalf and enjoy having you alongside us.

There will be new and updated public pools in King County! The next wave of SPLASHing Forward is on the horizon.

A look back at the three funding cycles of the 2019-2025 King County Aquatic Facility Grant Program. See below for which pools this includes.

We’re deepening our outreach with regional leaders to ensure they understand both the current landscape and the vital role they play in shaping aquatic projects across our communities. Take a look below to see who we’ve been meeting with and engaging in this important work.

Come join us this Saturday at SPUD Fish & Chips in Juanita to support 2nd graders learning to swim. Be sure to read more about this and other exciting new local business sponsors, endorsers, and supporters. This is just the beginning. Our community is ready to support our mission!

We need your continued support in every way that you show up for us. Whether it is using your voice of advocacy, engagement on our social channels, public endorsement, or financially. Every action makes a difference. We are 100% powered by our community through individual donors, local businesses, grants, and in kind contributions. We appreciate all of our donors who make our work possible. If you would like to donate ahead of our End of Year Campaign or make a pledge now we'd be grateful (support@splashforward.org).

Please share our newsletter, invite your friends to learn more, and follow us on our socials!

Hope to see you at SPUD Fish and Chips on Saturday, September 27th!

With gratitude and in partnership,

Susan Pappalardo

Co-Founder, Board President

SPLASHForward

King County Parks Levy Passed - by 73%!

Thank you to the voters of King County who leaned in with a 73% YES vote in support of improving and expanding public pools, maintaining and expanding trails, enhancing parks and playgrounds, preserving and restoring our river corridors, and expanding access to outdoor recreation.

Every city, town, and parks district will receive Parks funding to spend on Parks projects. The City of Bellevue and Shoreline each receive $5 million for their new public pool efforts. The City of Kirkland receives $2.5 million, Evergreen Community Aquatic Center $2 million, and Cottage Lake Pool $.5 million for renovations and expansion of existing public pools. The Aquatic Facilities Grant Program will award $31 million over the next six years for the renovation of existing and construction of new public pools. This is momentum and investment in greater access to aquatics in King County!

Thank you King County Council Member Rod Dembowski for his leadership and to all the Council Members for their support in developing this landmark Parks Levy renewal.

SPLASHForward endorsed the levy and our President and Co-Founder Susan Pappalardo co-authored the Pro Statement in the August 5th voter's guide.

2025 King County Aquatic Facilities Grant Awards

Two $5 million max award recipients

In August, 10 King County Aquatic Facilities Grants totaling $16 million were awarded in the final round of funding of the 2020-2025 Parks Levy Grant cycle. For the first time, the max award amount of $5 million was awarded to two recipients. Tukwila Metropolitan Park District was awarded $5 million to support Tukwila Pool’s $28.3 million renovation and expansion serving Tukwila and South King County. Seattle Parks and Recreation was awarded $5 million to Evans Pool at Greenlake to support the $59 million redevelopment of the existing 70 year old facility to better serve youth, seniors, and families with both aquatic and fitness facilities. Watch for project updates and community engagement this fall.

The remaining $6 million was awarded to 8 public pools. The Bellevue Aquatic Center, Covington Aquatic Center, Enumclaw Pool, Federal Way Community Center, Mount Rainier Pool (Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District), Evergreen Aquatic Center, Juanita Aquatic Center, and Vashon Pool to fund maintenance enhancements and renovations on existing public aquatic facilities. All are capital projects except for Vashon Pool's feasibility study. Public entities that own or operate a public aquatic facility are eligible for these grants.

$38.3 Million was awarded to Public Pools in the 2020-25 Parks Levy Grant Cycle

Be sure to check out these newly renovated facilities. Mary Wayte Pool built in 1972 and the Juanita HS Pool built in 1971 reopened this month after major renovations that saw new pool liners, filtration and mechanical upgrades, refurbished locker rooms, and more. Mary Wayte Pool's entry is brand new and an accessible viewing area on the first level was added.

Mary Wayte Pool Refresh - photo courtesy of Mary Wayte Pool

City of Clyde Hill Joins Medina and Yarrow Point

Thank you City of Clyde Hill for your support!

Last Tuesday evening, the City Council of Clyde Hill unanimously voted to endorse SPLASHForward and the new Bellevue Aquatic Center. They join the recent unanimous endorsements by the City of Medina and the Town of Yarrow Point. Council Member Sinwell spoke of the compelling nature of having a shared partnership between public and private to fund a publicly accessible aquatic center.

The New Bellevue Aquatic Center

The City of Bellevue and Project Advisors Turner & Townsend Heery are working through the optimal Project Delivery Method scenarios for the development of Bellevue Airfield Park and the new Bellevue Aquatic Center. We are working closing with Parks staff on project timelines and fundraising milestones.

We have updated our Economic Impact report which reflects a $28.5 million overall Economic Impact in year 3. Our projections includes a total of 125,000 event visitors and attendees with hotel stays in Bellevue and total direct spend of $11.7 million. We'll share more in the coming months!

Preferred Concept Plan

Bellevue Airfield Park is 27.5 acres located in the Eastgate Neighborhood.

Peter Kirk Pool Winterization Survey

Do you live in or near Kirkland? We want to hear from you. The City of Kirkland is exploring options to winterize Peter Kirk Pool, allowing year-round use for essential swim lessons, recreation, and fitness.

All options include:

• Baseline renovations to the entire pool mechanical system
• Expanding the wading pool to become a larger, more versatile Activity Pool
• Upgrading the bathhouse to include 3 all gender/family changing rooms
• Relocating the existing and provide a new lifeguard shack and the entrance to the Kirkland Ave/South

Winterization options include covering both or either of the new Activity Pool and Lap Pool with a glass and steel permanent structure (OpenAire) or a fabric structure (Sprung).

Why cover Peter Kirk Pool? People who have responded so far want a year-round covered pool, but want something the city can afford. Respondants are those who used to use it growing up, use it regularly, or have never been.

Take our quick survey and let us know what you think!

Meet our newest Sponsors and Supporters

We proudly welcome our newest partner and sponsor MOD Pizza Bellevue Way! MOD Pizza believes companies can and should be a force for good in the lives of the people they employ and the communities they serve. They are providing fresh delicious pizza to our Friday Night Teen Lifeguard Skill Development classes and Camp SPLASH! program participants.

Visit MOD Pizza Bellevue located at 317 Bellevue Way just south of Bellevue Square, eat some delicious pizza, and give them a high five to show your appreciation!

"We are proud to support SPLASHForward, their mission, and supporting local students as they grow into certified lifeguards. We love our Bellevue community and MOD Pizza is proud to be a part of meaningful community partnerships like this." Jennifer Buckhanan, General Manager, Bellevue Way MOD Pizza

SPUD Fish & Chips has jumped in to make a huge SPLASH with us and this is just the beginning of our partnership! This month we're raising funds for the 2nd graders at John Muir Elementary in Kirkland with our Every 2nd Grader Learns to Swim Program.

Mural designed and painted by artist Erika Flak. Supplies paid for by Kirkland Community Foundation.

As we enter the final two weeks of the month, we invite you to join us on Saturday, September 27th at SPUD Fish & Chips in Juanita from 12PM to 3PM! Come see SPUD’s beautiful brand new mural highlighting our partnership. We’ll be giving out free water bottle stickers and you’ll have a chance to score some free swag.

All donations at the register will be matched by SPUD Fish & Chips and an anonymous donor. If you can’t make it when we’re there, don’t worry, you can go anytime through the end of September!

"We are thrilled to support SPLASHForward during the month of September at the register at our Juanita and Edmonds SPUD locations. With our close ties to the water and shared belief around the importance of learning to swim, this is the beginning of what we believe will be a long term partnership. Watch for more exciting announcements to come!" Cara Marion, Owner, SPUD Fish & Chips Kirkland & Edmonds

We are beyond grateful for SPUD FIsh & Chips for our partnership!

Interested in creating a partnership with your local business? We'd love to chat! info@splashforward.org

True deep water is coming to Bellevue and Washington Wolfpack Water Polo Club is ready to jump in! They have become a SPLASHForward endorser and supporter. The team recently came together for their end of season celebration where they chose to show their support for SPLASHForward. We are grateful for their ready support and generosity!

The new Bellevue Aquatic Center concept plan includes a configurable 9-lane 50 meter competition pool with a 7' shallow and 9' foot deep water plus a separate 6-lane 25 yard 12' to 13' deep water tank. This will be a game changer for the water polo community (youth, high school and masters) in the region!

"We are all looking forward to using the new Bellevue Aquatic Center for practices, scrimmages, and hosting tournaments. We are happy to support SPLASHForward to help make this possible." Washington Wolfpack Water Polo

Thank you Washington Wolfpack Water Polo Club!

Legislative Outreach Continues

L to R: Youth Ambassadors Mira, Ellie, and Hennessey with Senator Lisa Wellman (41st); Youth Ambassadors Ellie, Hennessey,and Susan with Senator Vandana Slatter (48th)

Our State Legislative Awareness Youth Ambassador team continues the conversation with State and District Representatives in the 41st, 48st, and 45th districts to learn about strategies, create opportunities for support, and build awareness at the local and regional level for greater access to aquatics through new public facilities and programs. Not pictured are meetings held with Representative Osman Salihuddin (48th) and Representative My-Linh Thai (41st). Meetings are scheduled with Representative Janice Zahn (41st) and Representative Amy Walen (48th).

Join our Youth Ambassador Committee for the 2025 - 26 School Year

Looking for a way to use your passion for all things aquatics to develop your advocacy and communication skills? Join our growing Youth Ambassador Committee. There is a place for everyone. It's more than earning high school volunteer hours. It will help you develop essential skills wherever your path leads you.

Lifeguard Skill Development Classes

Register for our Friday Night Teen Lifeguard Skill Development classes! These classes introduce the lifeguard training prerequisites and allow you to practice them in a fun group setting. Classes will be Fridays - October 3rd, November 14th, and December 5th at the Bellevue Aquatic Center from 8pm - 9pm. Classes are open to 14-18yr olds. FREE Pizza after class provided by MOD Pizza of Bellevue Way.

We have supported free certification for 101 students, provided skill strengthening for 52 students, and processed 308 registrations with our HS Lifeguard Training program in 2025!

Our newest sponsor Lindquist Law, PLLC!

Interested in supporting our program? Reach out info@splashforward.org

Summer Sponsorship Salon

at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens

Click on the image to watch our short video!

On a beautiful summer evening surrounded by the Bellevue Botanical Gardens, we hosted our first Sponsorship Salon. This special event brought together local business leaders to explore how their support can make a lasting impact on equitable access to aquatic programs across our region.

Learn more about opportunities to support our Aquatic Pathways, Every 2nd Grader Learns To Swim, and HS Lifeguard Training Programs - info@splashforward.org

Out in Community & Our Programs

Camp SPLASH! - Our 4th Summer

Camp SPLASH! was an incredible week in early August with 25 middle schoolers, 5 action-packed days, and plenty of pool time. Our campers learned water safety, took swim lessons, tried water polo, went paddleboarding, built confidence, and had a blast!

Our young leaders take their skills back to their families & communities becoming water safety sentries. With ~90% of campers from families of color, representation matters. These kids are changing the story and the future.

Huge thanks to our amazing partners: Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue, Rainier Athletes, Samena Swim & Recreation Club and all our volunteers who made the week a treasured summer memory.

We are looking for a title sponsor for Camp SPLALSH! Reach out if you or a local business you know would be interested in learning more, info@splashforward.org

Lifeguard Olympics, US Masters Nationals, Rock the Village, and Kirkland Water Rescue

The end of summer has been full of good times. Kirkland's Lifeguard Olympics is a treasured summer event for Kirkland's lifeguards. They form teams and spend a day competing with challenging and sometimes crazy water events testing their skills and endurance.

US Masters Nationals long course was held at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center and put on by our Puget Sound Association of Masters Swimming and many volunteers!

We Rocked the Village at the Totem Lake Village on a warm summer night!

Kirkland Fire Water Rescue was out training their crew all summer. They would love a new year round indoor pool to train and practice rescue techniques.

Amplifying Water Safety from Across the Pond

Meeting Ed Accura, Finally

Susan with Ed Accura in London, Co-Founder of the UK's Black Swimming Association and Documentarian for Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Awareness

Susan finally met Ed Accura after knowing him virtually for six years! We invite you to meet him and understand why he is so passionate about helping open the door to water safety and the joy of the water for the Black, Asian, and Caribbean communities in the UK. When you learn that 95 – 97% of these communities in the UK do not regularly swim or lack lifesaving swim skills, you begin to see why he is using his voice and creative talents to change the narrative. Ed is a Co-Founder of The Black Swimming Association (UK) and a documentarian focused on water safety and drowning prevention awareness.

Ed’s campaign and new Afro House collaborative single, ‘No Lifeguard’ is a message that can save lives and open the door to learning more about how to safely enjoy the water.

We Swam Across America!

Team SPLASHForward Raised nearly $4,000

Our small but mighty Team SPLASHForward collectively swam 5 miles in this year's Swim Across America - Seattle and raised nearly $4,000 to support the fight against cancer, a disease that sadly has touched someone we all know and love. Funds support immunotherapy clinical trials and cancer research happening right here in Seattle at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center.

Thank you to all who donated to our Team and helped us collectively fight cancer!!

Congratulations AJ, Jim, & Erik!

Join us as a Volunteer!

Are you passionate about new public pools, water safety, and enjoy being out in the community? Come join our growing team as a SPLASHForward volunteer. We'll show you the ropes and invite you to join us at future community outreach events. We'd love to have you!

Seeking Passionate Board & Committee Members

We are looking for a Board members with a keen interest in Community Engagement, Equity, and Finance. We are seeking a Treasurer who is passionate about our efforts and has the capacity to grow with us as we take our next steps. If you are interested or know someone who might be, please have them contact us at info@splashforward.org.

Please share this newsletter with a friend and reach out anytime info@splashforward.org

Thank you for your support. Every donation pushes us forward.

It’s been 55 years since the last public pool was built on the Eastside and our community deserves facilities that allow for equitable access to essential skills and aquatic opportunities.

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