South Whidbey
Aquatic Recreation Center
(SWARC)
Embedded Files
Construction
Construction
begins!
begins!
Construction is scheduled to start in September!
Construction is scheduled to start in September!
A big thanks to all of you who celebrated with us on August 29.
A big thanks to all of you who celebrated with us on August 29.
For more updates about SWARC, please visit the
For more updates about SWARC, please visit the
Facility & Location
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
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
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
• Stormwater Management
• High Efficiency Pool Heating
• UV Sanitizers
• High Efficiency Water Filters
• Low flow fixtures
• Sunscreen & high efficiency windows
• Sustainable Materials
• Acoustics & Sound Dampening
Aquatic Programming
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
Timeline
2019 - 2020
2019 - 2020
Research and planning
Site selected
Septic and wastewater feasibility study completed
Fundraising
2021
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
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
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
2024
2024
Parks District completed a required, multi-month audit with the State of Washington and received a Bond Rating.
Continued to progress through design phases with Architect and subcontractors.
Hired Bloom Projects LLC for project management services.
Ongoing fundraising by SWPAF.
For most current update and status on the facility, please visit the
For most current update and status on the facility, please visit the
2025
2025
South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District:
Received updated cost estimates.
Plans and permitting completed.
Prepared and issued construction bid packages in early June.
Accepted bid in August and under contract with Lincoln Construction LLC to build the facility
GROUND BREAKING: AUGUST 29th!!
Look out for fundraising events and campaigns to support the facility, so it's a success from day 1.
2026
2026
Anticipate around 18 months construction until completed
2027
2027
Anticipated
Opening Day!
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