South Whidbey
Aquatic Recreation Center
For current update and status on the facility, please visit the
Facility & Location
The planned facility will include:
Community pool - 25 yards long with 6 lanes for lap swimming, learn to swim, family swim, competition, swim teams and more
Teaching pool with lazy river for aquatic fitness, swim lessons, physical therapy, water walking, family fun
Hot tub and sauna
Multipurpose rooms for parties, meetings, exercise and yoga classes
State-of-the-art HVAC and water filtration systems.
Salt water chlorination system
Natural light and walls of glass opening to an outside patio creating an indoor/outdoor feel
Coffee and snack bar station
Parks District offices
Location
Chosen site is at the entrance to the Community Park, on Maxwelton Road.
Why this location?:
Centrally located between population centers in Freeland, Clinton and Langley
On an Island Transit route
Near public schools
Close proximity to the highway
Land already owned by SW Parks District
Stakeholders
Our project is supported by a multitude of local organizations, businesses, politicians, and government bodies. Here are some of our supporters:
State Representative, Dave Paul
State Representative, Clyde Shavers
State Senator, Ron Muzzall
South Whidbey School District
Langley City Council
North Whidbey Pool, Park and Recreation District
Port of South Whidbey
Island County Economic Development Council
Melanie Bacon, District 1 Island County Commissioner
South Whidbey Commons
South Whidbey Youth Connection
Whidbey Island Kayaking
Island Senior Resources
South Whidbey Youth Soccer Club
Masters and youth swim team coach
Island County Board of Health
Environmental Stewardship
In August 2023 our project was awarded a $100,000 grant to incorporate solar with storage (battery back up) into facility design.
This grant is sponsored by the Washington State Dept of Commerce as part of the new Solar plus Storage for Resilient Communities program.
Under this program, the Aquatic Recreation Center will provide essential services to the community during emergencies and when the power goes out.
The current funding is for Track 1, intended for planning and design. But this also puts our project in position to apply for Track 2 which covers the costs of purchase and installation.
Project Priority
One of the guiding principles for South Whidbey Parks & Recreation District operations is to develop, operate, and maintain the parks system in an environmentally responsible manner. The design, construction, and operation of the aquatic wellness center will be
done with clear focus on this principle of environmental stewardship.
Strategies
• Site Location/Access to Transit
• Passive Solar Design
• PV Solar panels
• EV car charging
• Stormwater Management
• High Efficiency Pool Heating
• UV Sanitizers
• High Efficiency Water Filters (potential to save 300,000 gallons water annually compared to conventional sand filters)
• Low flow fixtures
• Sunscreen & high efficiency windows
• Sustainable Materials
• Acoustics & Sound Dampening
• Resilient Power System *(enables facility to function as part of Island County Emergency Management Plan)
Aquatic Programming
Something for All Ages
FITNESS/RECREATION
Lap Swimming
Family Swim
Aquatic Fitness
ADA outdoor walking track
High School Swim Team
Youth Swim Clubs
Masters Swim Team
Triathlon Training
Special needs wellness and fitness
COMMUNITY
Birthday Parties
Exercise classes
Community meetings and events
After-School programs
Summer Day Camp
Specialized Sports Camps
Robotics
Canoe/kayak classes
Scuba diving instruction
Stand Up Paddle-board lessons
SAFETY
Learn to Swim
Lifeguard training
Boater Safety
General Water Safety Education
HEALTH
All the above for improved physical and mental health
Therapy and Rehabilitative Services
Timeline
2019 - 2020
Research and planning
Site selected
Septic and wastewater feasibility study completed
Fundraising
2021
Hired Ballard*King and Associates to execute professional feasibility study
Large Onsite Sewage System (LOSS) planning
Critical areas and wetland report completed
Fundraising
Hired Linda Kaye Briggs to execute fundraising feasibility study
2022
Ballard*King and Associates feasibility study completed
Awarded $400,000 from state supplemental budget
Fundraising feasibility study by The Briggs Group completed
Ongoing fundraising and grant research
Selected local architectural firm, Architect Resource Collaborative (ARC) to lead a team of engineers, aquatic experts and cost estimators to design the facility
2023
Awarded $350,000 from state budget
Voter education campaign and public meetings
Ongoing planning and design by Architect Resource Collaborative
Private capital campaign
Public meetings
South Whidbey VOTERS APPROVED BOND measure on November 7
For most current update and status on the facility, please visit the
2024
Parks District completed audit for bond acceptance
Ongoing Fundraising campaigns and grant applicaltions
Public meetings
Issue bid documents
Award project
2025-2026
Permitting and construstion
Ongoing Fundraising and grant applicaltions
2027
Opening Day!