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West Valley outlines contingency plan for swim teams if Lions Pool closes
Summary
After a parent raised concerns about a possible Lions Pool closure, the district said it has reserved lanes at the Yakima Athletic Club for the 2026-27 school year and will continue talks with the city and neighboring districts to identify longer-term options.
At its Jan. 13 meeting, the West Valley School District said it has a contingency plan to ensure boys and girls swim teams have practice space if Lions Pool becomes unavailable.
Dr. Finch, the district's superintendent, told the board a parent representing many West Valley swim-team families had raised concerns about the potential closing of Lions Pool. "The district has developed a contingency plan for the 2026-27 school year to ensure that the West Valley boys and girls swim teams will have a facility for practice," Dr. Finch said. He added the district has reserved lanes at the Yakima Athletic Club for the 2026-27 school year and that practices would be scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. if Lions Pool is not available.
The district said administrators will continue to meet with representatives from the city of Yakima and other school districts to consider options for Lions Pool. Dr. Finch characterized the arrangement with the Yakima Athletic Club as a short-term contingency designed to cover the coming school year while officials explore longer-term solutions.
No formal resolution or long-term funding commitment was voted on at the meeting. The district framed the contingency as an operational plan to avoid immediate disruption to student athletes while discussions with municipal and inter-district partners continue.
The board did not take additional public action on the pool question at the meeting; the item was presented as the district's response to public comment and as an administrative plan for 2026-27.
