McCall Council Considers Joining Global Swimmable Cities Charter for Clean Water

The Special City Council Meeting held on August 21, 2025, in McCall, Idaho, focused on a significant opportunity for the city to join the Swimmable Cities Charter, a global initiative aimed at promoting clean urban waterways for recreational swimming. Community and Economic Development Director Michelle Grunewell introduced the agenda item, emphasizing the charter's alignment with McCall's comprehensive plan and its goals related to water quality and recreation.

The Swimmable Cities Charter is part of a grassroots movement that emerged in response to the 2024 Paris Olympics, which highlighted the need for cleaner urban waterways. Currently, 83 cities across 30 countries are part of this alliance, which aims to enhance the quality of rivers, lakes, and oceans. Grunewell noted that joining the charter would commit McCall to work towards the principles outlined in the alliance's handbook.

During the meeting, council members expressed their support for the initiative. Council member Kim Hamilton, known as the "swim whisperer," highlighted the importance of clean water for community enjoyment and recreation. She advocated for the alliance, stating that it would reinforce McCall's commitment to maintaining clean waterways for swimming and other recreational activities.

Further discussions among council members raised questions about how the city could effectively promote swimming as a recreational activity, especially given the various uses of the lake that may conflict with swimming. Council members emphasized the need for intentional planning and policies to create safe swimming areas and enhance the overall swimming experience in McCall.

Grunewell responded by outlining potential strategies, including redesigning public spaces to facilitate swimming access and utilizing technical resources from the alliance to improve water safety and recreational opportunities. The council recognized the importance of being proactive in promoting swimming and ensuring that McCall is seen as a leader in this area.

The meeting concluded with a call for council approval to begin the process of signing the charter. Grunewell indicated that further details regarding the obligations of joining the alliance would be explored once the council provided its support.

Overall, the meeting underscored McCall's commitment to enhancing water quality and recreational opportunities, positioning the city to take a significant step towards becoming a recognized participant in the global movement for swimmable urban waterways.