SWIMMING SUCCESS! $10 million Lopez pool complex meant to instill a culture of swimmers – $2 million still needed
Saturday, January 25, 2025
By Jeff Noedel
A SanJuans.Today VIDEO IS BELOW
Several years ago, only 8 percent of Lopez Island Elementary school students passed a basic Red Cross swimming test.
“We want every child to graduate knowing how to swim,” said Lopez Island’s Anne Marie MacPherson. “This (new pool) is really fulfilling that public safety element, which is what’s truly critical when we’re surrounded by water.”
What may look like a multi-million effort to improve recreational options on the island of 3,000 souls (9,000 in the summer) is every bit as much a public safety strategy.
In an interview with SanJuans.Today on Saturday, three leaders of the campaign spoke of the 25-year history of the effort to build a public pool on Lopez, the exciting features of the facility, the magnificent fundraising campaign, and the unfinished business of securing the last $2 million in development money.
Bill LeDrew is a past board president of the Freinds of Lopez Island Pool (FLIP).
Anne Marie MacPherson is FLIP’s Executive Director.
And Mike North is the current FLIP board president.
The facility will be called the Lopez Swim Center.
Enjoy this inspiring community achievement as described by some of the leaders making it possible.
As promised…
Here’s how to contact our State Legislature’s 40th District Senator and Representatives:
HERE’S THE ASK:
A total of $786,000 in funding for the Lopez Swim Center was proposed in former Governor Inslee’s proposed capital budget. The proposed appropriations include:
- A proposed $263,000 grant through the 2025-27 “Youth Recreational Facilities Program” in Sec. 1009 (page 8, line 3), and
- A proposed $523,000 direct appropriation (“local and community project”) in Sec. 1031 (page 40, line 17)
To read more about the FLIP campaign, click here.
