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Snoqualmie commissioners press for community support as county grant decision nears for proposed pool and community center
Summary
City parks staff told the Parks and Events Commission that a pending King County aquatics grant decision this summer could nearly close a roughly $1 million funding gap for a proposed six‑lane pool and community center; commissioners volunteered to help with fundraising outreach and a letter campaign to officials.
Snoqualmie parks staff told the Parks and Events Commission on May 13 that a King County aquatics grant decision expected in late June could be decisive for the city’s long‑planned community center and pool.
The commission heard from Jeff (Parks and Public Works staff) that the city has already assembled most of the capital funding for the six‑lane pool with an associated recreational pool and flexible community space, but remains about $1 million short of the estimated project cost. Jeff said the city is applying for a King County aquatic grant (the city’s application asks for up to $5,000,000) and that a favorable result this summer would bring the project “very, very close” to being fundable.
Commissioners and the council liaison, Peter Munson, discussed steps the commission could take to demonstrate community support and help close the gap. That included drafting a letter from the commission and organizing outreach at upcoming city events — notably the splash pad opening June 6 — to gather signatures, pledges and constituent messages to county and state officials. Commissioner discussion emphasized that council members want evidence of broad community backing before committing additional city funds.
Commissioners proposed a multi‑pronged approach: draft a concise, commission‑endorsed letter for review by the mayor’s office and city communications staff; prepare a short, shareable template constituents could send to county and state decision makers; and staff a table at the splash‑pad opening and other events (Big Truck Day) to collect interest, QR‑coded contact forms, and voluntary pledges. Several commissioners volunteered to work with staff to draft materials and coordinate outreach; Paul Swam offered to draft a starting letter and share it with commissioners and staff for revision.
City staff and commissioners also discussed fundraising ideas that could help bridge any remaining gap if the grant is smaller than requested: legacy bricks or tile programs, room‑ or feature‑naming rights, targeted sponsorships from local businesses, fundraising dinners or auctions run by a partner organization, and partnerships with regional nonprofits (for example, YMCA or health system partners) that could pursue corporate or philanthropic support. Staff cautioned that formal fundraising events require administrative review to avoid conflicts and to determine whether a government entity can host or accept donations in a specific way.
Why it matters: Snoqualmie has sought community recreation facilities for years; past bond measures statewide and locally failed to reach required supermajorities for similar projects, and council members told staff they want to see clear, active community support before approving additional city funding. The commission framed its role as community ambassadors who can gather and demonstrate that support ahead of the June grant decision and any subsequent council deliberations.
Commissioners agreed to draft the commission letter, coordinate with the mayor’s office for review, and staff two event outreach efforts in June. County grant results are expected at the end of June; any formal city funding decision would remain with the City Council.
