Seattle's Green Lake Neighborhood Hangs in Balance for New Swimming Pool

The Seattle Green Lake neighborhood has been without a major swimming pool facility since 2022 when the city scrapped plans to build a new community center and pool complex. The project was deemed too expensive, with estimates suggesting costs of over $100 million.

Background on the Scrapped Project

In 2020, the Seattle Parks and Recreation department announced plans to build a new Green Lake community center that would have included an indoor swimming pool, as well as other amenities such as a gym, fitness classes, and a children's play area. The project was expected to be a major development for the neighborhood, but costs quickly ballooned.

Why the Project Was Scrapped

In 2022, the city council voted to cancel the project due to its high cost. Mayor Bruce Harrell stated that "the financial realities of this project are just not sustainable." The cancellation was met with disappointment from local residents who had been eagerly anticipating the new facilities.

Efforts to Revive the Plan

Despite the cancellation, there has been ongoing effort to revive the plan and build a new swimming pool facility in Green Lake. In 2023, the Seattle Parks and Recreation department announced that it was re-examining the project and exploring options for making it more affordable.

New Proposal on the Table

In April 2023, the department unveiled a revised proposal for the community center and pool complex. The new plan would include a smaller facility with a single indoor swimming pool, rather than the original two-pool design. The cost of the project was estimated to be around $50 million, which is significantly less than the original estimate.

Benefits of the New Proposal

The revised proposal aims to address some of the concerns that led to the cancellation of the original plan. By building a smaller facility, the city hopes to reduce costs and make the project more feasible. The new pool would still offer a range of amenities, including a gym, fitness classes, and a children's play area.

Challenges Ahead

While there is renewed interest in building a new swimming pool facility in Green Lake, challenges remain. Local residents are still worried about the cost of the project, as well as concerns about parking, traffic, and noise pollution. The city will need to address these issues if it hopes to move forward with the revised proposal.

Next Steps

The Seattle Parks and Recreation department is currently working on a detailed plan for the new facility. This includes conducting public outreach and engagement, as well as refining the budget and project timeline. In the coming months, residents can expect to learn more about the proposal and how they can get involved in the process.

Conclusion

The fate of a new swimming pool facility in Seattle's Green Lake neighborhood remains uncertain. While there have been efforts to revive the plan, challenges remain. The city will need to balance its desire for affordable amenities with the needs and concerns of local residents. With continued public engagement and outreach, it is possible that a new pool facility could be built in the future.

Timeline

• 2020: Seattle Parks and Recreation department announces plans for a new Green Lake community center and pool complex.
• 2022: City council votes to cancel the project due to its high cost.
• 2023: Seattle Parks and Recreation department re-examines the project and explores options for making it more affordable.
• April 2023: Revised proposal unveiled, including a smaller facility with a single indoor swimming pool.

Key Players

• Seattle Parks and Recreation department: Led by Director Stephen E. Triplett, this department is responsible for overseeing the development of new recreational facilities in Seattle.
• Mayor Bruce Harrell: The mayor has stated that "the financial realities of this project are just not sustainable."
• City council members: Members of the city council have expressed concerns about the cost and feasibility of the revised proposal.

Related Issues

• Affordable recreation options: The new pool facility would provide a much-needed option for affordable recreation in Seattle's Green Lake neighborhood.
• Community engagement: Public outreach and engagement are crucial to ensuring that the needs and concerns of local residents are heard throughout the planning process.
• Sustainability: The city will need to balance its desire for sustainable development with the financial realities of the project.