WAITSBURG–A survey completed by 110 community members showed respondents overwhelmingly prioritize a new swimming pool for the community, and the Waitsburg Parks and Recreation District and Rural Youth Enrichment Services are ready to act.

The survey results collected in May to June 2022 showed three clear top priorities. Respondents were asked to rank a collection of nine priorities that ranged from building and improving infrastructure to creating activities and hosting music events.

-45% of respondents said building a new indoor pool is the top priority

-24% of respondents said increasing fairgrounds use through improvements and events is the top priority

-19% said developing after-school activities and programs is the top priority

“We asked and you answered,” said Leroy Cunningham, Waitsburg Parks and Recreation District Commissioner. “Through the survey, the commissioners were hoping the community would guide our decision making in the coming months, and the response was clear. Our community wants a swimming pool. At the same time, an anonymous donor stepped forward to give $10,000 to build a new pool. We are working to take the community input and move forward.”

The city pool has been closed to the public for the 2020, 2021 and 2022 swim seasons because of extensive structural issues, according to the city website.

A March 2022 architect’s report explains “the pool has a significant leak issue and the main intake line is broken. Any original piping and fittings from the original construction are well beyond their intended life and should also be considered a potential leak source. Visual observation shows major cracking between concrete pours that have separated along the floor and walls. Concrete spalls, plant growth, and palls from previously applied epoxy coatings indicate leaking is widespread throughout the pool body.”

“We got 97 years out of our swimming pool and research shows fixing or replacing it is not on the table,” Cunningham said. “We are proud of the work done to keep it in service and are also ready to imagine what a new regional aquatic facility at a fresh location could offer our community. We only have to imagine the possibilities, do the research and planning, and then fervently collaborate with others to build a regional aquatic center here in Waitsburg”.

Kate Hockersmith, secretary of the Rural Youth Enrichment Services nonprofit, pulled together an organizational recruiting meeting in late June to begin planning for how to leverage the $10,000 donation into matching dollars to go after local, state and federal grants in the fall.

“I have been concerned that Waitsburg is losing the services and traditions that make it such a special place to live,” Hockersmith said.

“As someone involved in community service for the past 30 years, I’m working to identify new RYES leaders and volunteers to work with Parks and Rec on this effort and get things moving ahead.”

Rural Youth Enrichment Services kicked off the fundraiser July 7, 2022, and is seeking dollar-for-dollar donations to match the $10,000, with a goal of raising $20,000 combined by the start of school on Sept. 6.

Donation checks can be written to Rural Youth Enrichment Services and mailed to PO Box 371, Waitsburg, WA 99361. Be sure to write ‘Our New Pool’ in the ‘For’ box of your check. Money can also be deposited in the RYES account at Banner Bank.

Questions, comments or volunteers can go to [email protected].