by Lisa DiGiorgio | Aug 9, 2017 | News
Pool Lane is under construction! As a first critical step, the road is being widened to TWO lanes! This image was taken halfway up Pool Lane, looking toward Center Rd. The backhoe is parked close to the entrance of the future pool parking lot. That white propane tank in the background has nothing to do with the Lopez Pool, but is a new business across from the firehouse. FLIP was gifted the second lot back from Center Road, extending to the tree line behind. Thank you, Bob and Lois Wardell, project architects for starting the improvements to the road to our community pool!
We could not have gotten this far without your generous commitment to the pool so THANK YOU!!! Your ongoing support will continue to make the difference. Please consider a donation today. Just scroll to the bottom of this page!
by Lisa DiGiorgio | Jul 20, 2017 | News
On July 12th FLIP seized the opportunity for an audience with State Senator Kevin Ranker and Lt. Governor Cyrus Habib at the Orcas Island Senior Center.
Asha Leela, one of three FLIP Board members in attendance, asked this question:
“We on Lopez are in the midst of a capital campaign for a year-round swim center for the health and safety of islanders. It will be the only public pool in the San Juan Islands. This will be an important asset for our rural community. How do we fit into the economic development that you want and we want for your constituents and the tourists that come?”
In their response, Senator Ranker and Lt. Governor Habib spoke of the public award for FLIP that is in the capital budget. Both are enthusiastic supporters of the pool and said we should put in additional requests for MORE money. Sen. Ranker said Orcas people will come swim on Lopez. Both were shocked to learn that this year only 9% of Lopez elementary kids passed the Red Cross water safety test compared with 39% national average. Asha told Ranker that FLIP had lots of information to share with him. He said he would like to talk with FLIP in the fall to plan for next year.
Asha also talked with County Councilman Rick Hughes, who submitted a letter in support of the pool to Olympia, with the two other County Council members earlier this year. The pool will not likely get built without some government funding, therefore, we encourage ALL FLIP supporters to write a letter or make a phone call to your elected officials in support of a community pool in the San Juan Islands! It could make a big difference!
by Lisa DiGiorgio | Jul 13, 2017 | News
FLIP is delighted to announce the hiring of Robert & Lois Wardell as construction project architects! Lois and Bob bought property on Lopez 37 years ago and have been full time Lopezians since moving from Yakima three years ago. The Wardells were the architects for our library’s Quiet Reading Room and for Morgantown, Lopez’s first Land Trust project. Previously they mainly worked on civic buildings, including a $6 million expansion of the Yakima convention center.
The Wardells are jumping right in! They’ll review cost estimates and develop a single project concept including construction and design of bathhouse, mechanical room, pools and cover. They’ll also meet with the County regarding permits as well as identify, hire and oversee the work of consultants. Luckily for FLIP, the Wardell’s vast experience qualifies them to serve as both architects and project manager. Both Lois and Bob are enthusiastic supporters of the pool and recognize the need for an accessible community pool in the islands that will provide health, recreation and improved water safety for all ages. We hope you’ll share in the excitement of this wonderful addition to our Pool Dream Team!
by Lisa DiGiorgio | Jun 13, 2017 | News
On June 1st & 2nd, FLIP sponsored its 5th annual KIDS SWIM DAYS for Lopez K-5 students at Fidalgo Pool in Anacortes. 110 students enjoyed a two-hour swim with parents, teachers and FLIP volunteers. For many students, this was their one and only opportunity for the year to swim.
To use the pool without a life jacket, the kids had to swim 25 feet. 48% of the kids were able to do this. These kids then took turns working with a Certified Water Safety Instructor in small groups, learning and demonstrating the 5 skills that define Water Competency, as outlined by the American Red Cross. Water Competency is a minimum measure of a swimmer’s ability to stay safe in deep water.
The 5 skills are:
1. Jump into water over your head from a standing position on the side of the pool.
2. Tread water or passive back float for one minute.
3. Swim in a circle, actively scanning for an exit.
4. Swim 25 yards without touching side of pool.
5. Climb out of pool without using a ladder.
The kids did a great job working with the instructor, encouraging their schoolmates and attempting the skills themselves. Ten students were able to demonstrate all five of these skills. FLIP celebrates the progress and enthusiasm of ALL the kids present.
The overall results, however, were very sobering: only 9% of 110 students present are considered Water Competent by the Red Cross. This means that 91% of these students do not possess the skills to stay safe in deep water. Obviously, this is not the fault of the children and their families since there is no swim center yet on Lopez. A pool would provide multiple opportunities for regular swim lessons and practice throughout the year to improve swimming skills. These results strongly reinforce the need for a year-round swim center on Lopez Island. Until we can swim locally, FLIP will continue to promote water safety wherever possible.
by Lisa DiGiorgio | May 12, 2017 | News
A BIG thanks to those who participated in GiveBIG last Wednesday! With your help, we were able to make GiveBIG 2017 one of our biggest yet! Sixty supporters from near and far raised almost $42,000! This is double what we raised last year! On behalf of the FLIP Board, thank you for your TREMENDOUS support! Watch for some changes this summer at the site on Pool Lane off Center Road. Many thanks to you for making this work possible!
Click the pool diagram for a closer look!
by Lisa DiGiorgio | May 10, 2017 | News
FLIP has already received more than $15,000 in donations so far today! And all those gifts are being doubled by generous donors, so really the impact is $30,000! Our goal is to reach $27,100 in donations by the time GiveBIG closes at midnight. Your support is vital now. Make your gift online before midnight to power FLIP to the finish line.
To Donate click on this link: https://giveBIGseattle.org/friends-of-Lopez-Island-Pool.
FLIP has groundbreaking plans for the summer. Our supporters during our recent year-end campaign and GiveBIG are giving us the green light to proceed with improving the road (Pool Lane), drainage as well as to hire an architect to fine tune the design and submit the permits, so please take a moment now and make your donation to FLIP.
Join in this moment of giving and gratitude for the things that make our home here in the San Juan Islands amazing. Thank you for being a hero for FLIP! There’s still time to have your gift doubled, too.
Bringing greater health, safety and connection to the people of San Juan County by building a community swim facility.
Your FLIP Board
