Parks commission urges a final fundraising push for YMCA pool expansion; sends 11‑item ideas memo to mayor

Paul Swem, vice chair of the Snoqualmie Parks and Events Commission, told the council the commission is making “a final push” to build support and fundraising momentum for the YMCA pool expansion while the city awaits a King County grant decision.

Swem said the commission recently compiled and fast‑tracked an 11‑item bulleted list of fundraising ideas to the mayor to encourage a last push on local revenue and community engagement. Ideas include a legacy tile/brick program, naming rights for spaces in the facility, a fundraising dinner and silent auction, partnerships with the Chamber of Commerce, and volunteer efforts at upcoming city events. “I don’t wanna lose sleep, if we haven’t made a full effort to do a last push,” Swem said.

The commission reported there are multiple letters of support already on file: staff noted “14 or more” letters from organizations and individuals in the grant record. Swem said the commission plans to have a presence at the June 6 splash‑pad event and other community events to raise awareness and solicit support.

Commissioners said they will forward the memo and the commission’s draft letter of support for the King County grant through administration and asked staff to share the 11‑idea memo with committee members. No formal council action was recorded; the presentation was an informational request for the council’s awareness and assistance in community outreach.

Next steps: the commission will follow up with administration to distribute the memo, circulate the drafted letter of support, and staff and commissioners said they will staff tables at community events to raise awareness of the project.