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Coaches and residents urge Kennewick City Council to include indoor pool in planned recreation center
Summary
Multiple swim coaches, athletes and parents spoke during public comment urging the Kennewick City Council to prioritize an indoor aquatic facility in the city's recreation center plans, citing community access, safety and potential economic benefit.
Multiple Tri-Cities swim coaches, athletes and parents used the Kennewick City Council public-comment period on June 3 to press for an indoor pool as part of the city's proposed recreation center.
Jason Hart, head swim coach at Southridge High School, said a basic 25-yard pool with adjacent gym space could host meets and attract out-of-town teams, citing Moses Lake as an example where a modest facility supported frequent events. “During September to last March ... they actually hosted 14 meets in a 6 month period,” Hart said, noting both club and high school participation and arguing that visiting teams spend on hotels and restaurants.
Shadalisa Tippett, head coach from Kennewick High School, told council the community already supports competitive and recreational swimming but that local facilities are “antiquated and on their last leg.” Tippett said a year-round indoor facility would expand swim lessons, support teams, and reach low-income students who cannot access expensive club programs. “We have a long waiting list,” she said.
Several other speakers reinforced that theme. Tenacious Villasenor and Calista Tippett described benefits for athletes and community connection; Tia Pollock, who runs meets in the Mid‑Columbia Conference, said swimming saves lives through lessons and keeps students engaged in school activities.
Speakers repeatedly framed two practical benefits: improved access to year-round lessons to reduce drowning risk, and potential economic activity from hosting meets. Coaches described existing local demand — limited public‑pool hours, wait lists and families priced out of club teams — and urged the council to consider a smaller, competition‑ready 25‑yard design rather than a larger, costlier 50‑meter complex.
The public comment period closed with no formal council action on the rec center during the meeting. Council members did not debate the pool proposal on the record at this session; several said they would continue reviewing feasibility material in staff workshops.
