The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG – This year’s efforts by Waitsburg Friends of the Pool and the Parks and Recreation District to replace the city pool are ending on a high note. With over $50,000 raised, the project’s feasibility study can begin.

Results from the September Waitsburg Parks and Rec community survey showed a new pool was the top priority for 60% of respondents.

“Energized by the survey results, Waitsburg Parks and Recreation District had a goal to get the pool project off the ground by the end of the year, and we are ecstatic we can take this step forward for our community,” said Wendy Carter, Waitsburg Parks and Recreation District commissioner. “We could not have done it without our partners, the Friends of the Pool, and the generous donations from businesses, community organizations, and local families.”

The district will use the funds to hire an engineering and environmental firm to complete a feasibility study to see if a pool can be rebuilt at its current location. If not, a second site will be studied.

To celebrate, the Friends of the Pool is hosting a Pool Project Kickoff from 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 16 at The Royal Block. The community (21+) is invited to celebrate the work of the volunteers and the generous support of over 100 donors who made this happen.

The event is free to attend; small bites will be provided, and there will be a no-host bar. Come early to bid on select silent auction items including:

A one-night stay for two and a special wine tasting at The Royal Block

Dinner, drinks and dessert at the Dozier Ranch hosted by Sen. Perry and Darleen Dozier

Mayor Marty Dunn’s Dream Yard Service

Fire station birthday party, complete with birthday cake and dunk tank, donated by the Waitsburg Firefighter’s Association and the Waitsburg Parks and Recreation District

And more

Children can be dropped off at Kids Night at the Plaza Theater during the event. Supervision will be provided by Girl Scout Troop #5381.

“Waitsburg needs a pool,” said Karen Huwe, co-chair of Friends of the Pool. “Our children need to learn how to swim, and our seniors need a local spot for low-impact exercise. Waitsburg has been without a pool for three years and we collectively have felt the void. We hope the community is proud of what has been accomplished in the past year, and we hope everyone will stop by the Pool Project Kickoff Event to celebrate and dream about what it would be like having a pool back in Waitsburg.”

Those wanting to donate to the pool project can do so on the Rural Youth Enrichment Services website at ruralyes.org. Donation checks can be written to Friends of the Pool/R.Y.E.S. and mailed to Rural Youth Enrichment Services, PO Box 371, Waitsburg, WA 99361. Questions, comments or volunteers should be emailed to info@waitsburgparks.org.