The dream of a new Aquatic Center for the White Salmon community is now one step closer to fulfillment.  Steve and Diane Maier of Innovative Composite Engineering (ICE) in White Salmon are generously providing a challenge grant of $500,000 to inspire other community members to donate in order to reach the $3 million construction goal for the new pool facility.  Steve says, “Diane and I are always supportive of projects that advocate for the children in our community.  This new pool will enhance White Salmon for generations to come as a place for community, families, and children to come together and have fun.” Steve also notes that, “The Riley family have stepped up with a generous donation of the excavation, all the concrete and some additional funding for this project. We need others in our community to step up as well.”

In May 2019, the area’s kids and adults were left without an essential, fun, summer gathering spot when the  80+ year old White Salmon pool failed beyond repair and was closed permanently.  The White Salmon Valley Pool Metropolitan Park District (WSVPMPD) gained approval to build a new pool for the White Salmon Valley area. “The new pool facility will be a much-needed public asset for the entire White Salmon Valley community and guests, and we are committed to making the facility available for everyone” states Lloyd DeKay, President of the district board.  “To date, over $1.5 million in grants, donations, pledges and levy funds are secured toward the estimated construction cost, and we are excited that the Maier family’s generous challenge donation may help us raise at least another $500,000 toward that goal.

Architects, general contractors, and project managers are currently teaming together to finalize the design for the new pool facility.  If funding is secured, construction will begin by summer 2021 with a goal of a Grand Opening of the new pool by summer 2022.  The new aquatic center will be located next to White Salmon Middle/High School campus.  Three separate pools are planned for the new aquatic facility: a kiddy splash pad with waterplay features, a shallow warm pool for teaching, therapy and relaxation, and a 25-yard, 6-8 lane, 4-12 foot deep pool with a diving board for recreation, exercise and competition.  The design also incorporates a Community Room that will be available for parties, meetings, classes, and other social gatherings.   A “virtual tour” of the conceptual model is available on the district’s website, WhiteSalmonValleyPool.org