SWIMMING INTO The Next BIG Phase

Last time you drove down Center Road, did you notice the sign, “Future Site of the Lopez Island Pool”?  Well, there is a lot more happening than an empty lot behind the sign!  The FLIP board is an energized group that has performed phenomenal research to determine the best options for our pool facility and has accomplished amazing things over the past several years.

The empty lot was donated generously by John Sorensen.  The board attended hearings with the County regarding the land use classification for a successful adjustment to permit a year round indoor natatorium.  In 2009 the board hired the best aquatic designers in the nation (Aquatics Design Group working with Heery International architects in Seattle) to provide cost analysis, feasibility and a needs-based design. The board listened to the concerns of the Lopez community and incorporated solutions.  In 2011, the board attended the USA Swimming Association’s National Build A Pool Conference.  (The USA Swimming Association is the governing body of all public pools.)  They approved the work done by Heery and the Aquatics Design Group, allowing the board to develop a solid business plan under their guidance with confidence and knowledge.

Did you know there will be two pools rather than one large?  One will be 82 degrees for laps and recreation, and the other at 92 degrees for learn-to-swim and therapeutic use.  This past year a well was dug on that empty lot, and it has met the requirements of a Class A water system!  A septic test has been approved.  And, what about the building?  The cost of the whole pool complex has been trimmed three times from the original cost proposal, reducing the footprint and eliminating a large lobby and extra rooms. Last year, a building committee was formed with Brian Silverstein, Nancy Greene and Mark Herrenkohl.  They are charged with providing a cost analysis of various building types as well as refining the design.  The latest exciting news is that the pools will be Myrtha design and the natatorium will be built with Kalwall, a thick, insulated, translucent fiberglass material by Structures, Unlimited which will bathe the pool area with natural transfused light.

All these big and small details have demanded the full attention of the Board.  This summer FLIP will expand fundraising because all that is left to do is to build the pool!  Find out more about our pool at the Farmer’s Market, beginning early July.  Mark your calendars for a BIG Open House “SPLASH” Celebration behind the sign on Center Road on July 25th in the afternoon.  View the designs and a model and take a virtual swim in the lanes. There will be games, prizes, music and snacks for all to enjoy!  Let’s get ready to swim!