A $213,117 grant for critical repairs to the boiler system at the Mount Rainier Pool has been awarded by King County Parks.
King County’s Youth and Amateur Sports Grants aim to support healthy and active communities by investing in programs and capital facility projects that improve access to sports, play, and outdoor recreation. By prioritizing organizations and agencies serving low-income youth and youth of color, King County Parks seeks to enhance youth access to and participation in physical activity.
The 49-year-old pool continues to experience age-related issues, which have forced 15 days of emergency closures and more than $100,000 of emergency repairs this year. This grant will repair the water heating boiler system, strainer basket and replacement of filter media.
“Grants like this are paramount for public safety. They enable the pool district to continue providing essential swim lessons, ensuring water safety and fostering a confident, capable community for years to come,” said Shane Young, president of the Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District, which operates Mount Rainier Pool.
The pool draws users primarily from Des Moines, Normandy Park, SeaTac, and Kent-West Hill. It provides public access to swim instruction, water exercise, and a competitive venue for more than 60,000 people. Hundreds of kids learn to swim each year at the pool, and for many teenagers, the lifeguard/swim instructor programs provide their first jobs and entrees to possible first-responder careers.
King County’s decision 25 years ago to discontinue operating its 16-pool Forward Thrust pool system led initially to an agreement amongst local cities and Highline Public Schools to operate Mount Rainier Pool jointly. In 2009, Des Moines residents voted to create a metropolitan park district to ensure the pool’s continued existence.
While Highline Public Schools owns the pool facility, the Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District has leased and operated it since 2009. Normandy Park also continues to provide financial support.
Updates on Mount Rainier Pool initiatives are available at:
