The City of Olympia and its Partners to Determine if a Regional Aquatic Facility is Feasible

Residents of Olympia and Tumwater have expressed a strong desire for a public swimming facility, a need recognized in community surveys for over 20 years. In response, the cities launched an Aquatic Facility Feasibility Study in 2018 to explore the creation of a regional aquatic center. The Olympia Parks, Arts, and Recreation Department is seeking community input through a survey to gauge public preferences regarding the facility's design and features. Key stakeholders, including the Port of Olympia and the South Sound YMCA, are involved in preliminary discussions. The survey results will guide the planning process, helping to identify potential partners and the project's scope.

Currently, there are no municipal swimming facilities available in Olympia or Tumwater, making this initiative vital for the community's recreational needs. The City has contracted the architectural firm Barker Rinker Seacat to conduct the feasibility study, which will assess operational costs and potential revenue. Community feedback is encouraged before the survey closes on November 22, 2020.