Mount Rainier Pool will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a special dedication ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 21, according to the Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District.
The ceremony is set to start at Noon, and will include a welcome by Board President Shane Young, recognition of dignitaries and past board members, a keynote address by City Manager Katherine Caffrey, a proclamation honoring civic leader James R. Ellis, a plaque unveiling and the announcement of James Ellis Day.
A free community swim is scheduled to follow the event, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Built in 1975 as part of the regional Forward Thrust initiative, the pool has provided five decades of aquatic service to Des Moines and the wider South King County community through wellness, water safety and recreation programming.
The Board of Commissioners will issue a proclamation in honor of Ellis, whose leadership helped create 17 public pools in King County.
The district announced that the second Saturday of each year will now offer free community access to Mount Rainier Pool in his honor.
“James Ellis believed public infrastructure was about equity, access, and civic pride,” District General Manager Scott Deschenes said. “It is our privilege to honor that legacy with an open door for the entire community each second Saturday of September.”
The event will also feature facility tours, historical displays, giveaways and information about future plans.
The district said current programs continue to remove barriers for underserved and immigrant communities, including its Kids Swim Free program.
More info at https://mtrainierpool.com.
Photos
Below are some historic photos from the 1975 grand opening celebration (click arrows or swipe images to view slideshow):
Mt. Rainier Pool is located at 22722 19th Ave South, Des Moines, WA 98198:
