Five years ago, the Kent-Meridian Pool doors were closed because King County was no longer willing to operate it. Through the efforts of then-Mayor Jim White, the City Council, then-Parks Director John Hodgson, and a group of Kent citizens, the City of Kent took over operation of the pool and the doors re-opened March 8, 2003. At that time, the City also determined to look into the future aquatic needs of our growing community because the Kent Pool was beyond its “life expectancy” and out-dated. Designed in the early 70’s, the Kent pool is basically “water in a concrete box” that is limited in its function. Also, it was built to serve a population of about 30,000 people. Times have changed. Our community has grown. It is time for Kent to have an aquatic facility that will meet the many varied needs of the people and families of the Kent community.

Over the past couple of years a steering committee comprised of City staff and members of the public have been working to determine the best approach to meeting the future aquatic needs of Kent. The consensus was that our community needed a more versatile aquatic facility, not “just” a pool. The facility envisioned would incorporate a lap pool, a therapy pool, and a recreational pool, along with a fitness area, a gym with an elevated track, a party area, and some classrooms.
Kent Pool will not last forever. Currently, it does not adequately meet the needs of our community. To maintain and improve the quality of life here in Kent, we need a new aquatic facility. We have formed a citizens committee to run a campaign in support of the proposed facility and we need your help. If you’d like to see Kent build a new aquatic/recreational facility then plan to get involved in this effort.