A place for indoor recreation that, given our area's inclement weather, would encourage fair-weather exercisers to have some good, clean fun in a warm environment! This can include formal activities like water activity classes or games like water volleyball or inner tube water polo, or informal sessions, where users can swim, splash, and enjoy features like slides, a “lazy river,” rope swing, a toddler pool, Jacuzzi, and more.

Youth and masters programs for swimming, water polo, diving, and synchronized swimming, including how-to lesson sessions, team training, and dual team, high school, and large competitions, all of which produce revenue. Our area lacks programs in some of these areas because of lack of pool space today, but will grow with a new facility.

Related Sports Training Triathletes, rowers, and scuba programs would all be able to use the facility. It would be great for after-work young adult use and for serious athletes.

Water safety instruction for people of all ages, from learn-to-swim programs, to safe-boating classes, lifeguarding, and water safety instructor classes. Drowning is the second largest cause of death for children, both in our state and nationally, and there have been several local drownings in the past few months. Several Puget Sound–area school districts have mandatory swimming at various grade levels, ensuring water survival skills for everyone in their communities.

From using therapy to accelerate recovery from back and knee surgeries and strokes, to “total wellness” programs, a continuum of water therapies and activities exists to promote health and wellness for all in the community, from the disabled to the elite athlete, young and old alike. Nutrition and weight loss programs might be included, as well as a café with healthy offerings for facility users.

From school learn-to-swim programs to training for aquatic therapists and other skills, the facility would be a community asset for those trying to improve skills.

Since early Roman times, pools have been a community gathering place for everyone. Community-friendly features have been successful in other similar facilities, like rooms for day care, yoga, or art classes, birthday parties and classes, a mini-library or tutoring center, and a café and aquatics pro shop. Public-friendly common areas and features like Jacuzzis and appropriate spectator and viewing areas and parking will facilitate community access and involvement.