South Whidbey Aquatics & Recreation Center
Current Status
Some Current Highlights and Important Documents
July 17, 2026
New drone video of the Aquatic and Recreation Center is on our YouTube page, The South Whidbey Parks & Recreation District – YouTube
Enjoy!
June 12, 2026
Well we are 9 1/2 months into an 18 month build. So we are closer to the finish than we are to the start. We are still on pace to open late spring 2027. Of course there are factors that could impact that still, but we are currently on schedule and on budget.
August 13, 2025
WE ARE UNDER CONTRACT TO BUILD THE AQUATIC RECREATION CENTER! We are under contract with Lincoln Construction LLC to build the facility. We will be having a groundbreaking in early September (stay tuned). Once it begins, we anticipate around 18 months until completion!!!
Final Addendum!! SWAC – Addendum 5
Frequently Asked Questions???
WE KNOW WE DO NOT HAVE ALL THE INFORMATION YET, BUT WE ARE COMMITTED TO MAKING DECISIONS AND UPDATING THIS PAGE AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. SMILE…THE POOL IS COMING SOON!!
Do you have a question about how the SWARC will operate? Email Brian Tomisser, Parks Director at .
When will the SWARC be open?
- The current plan has us opening in Spring 2027. We are currently on schedule, but with any project this size delays are possible (but no expected)
How much will it cost to use the center?
- 2027 prices will be finalized by the Board of Commissioners early in 2027. However, staff are working with the Board to determine pricing categories and options. These will be made public on this site as soon as available.
Will there be different rates for residents, seniors, etc?
- Highly likely there will be discounts for residents and seniors. Again, once the Board of Commissioners approve these guidelines, they will be made public.
What will be the hours of the center?
- We are planning to be open 7 days a week, specific details TBD. We will have a soft opening with limited hours initially to allow us to work out the bugs.
When will you begin hiring staff?
- We have begun the hiring process with the recruitment of a Human Resources Manager. Over the next couple of months, we will be recruiting an Aquatics Manager and a Facility Coordinator. Other positions will be filled in 2027. Employment – South Whidbey Parks and Recreation Department
Are we on schedule and on budget?
- As stated earlier, we are on schedule. We also are on budget. We still have almost $2 million in contingency, which is the money in the budget for the unexpected costs. Any contingency left at the end of the project will be put directly towards construction debt.
Will there be a lazy river?
- There is a current channel which is classified as a lazy river. If you are picturing a 10-15 minute trip down the pool on an innertube, you might want to check out the pictures. It will be fun feature for the kids with a couple of watering flowers, and it also is an excellent feature for water walking.
What classes will be offered at the SWARC?
- In addition to a variety of water classes, we have a small fitness room and multi purpose rooms. We will be recruiting instructors to teach as many classes as possible. If you know of someone who may be interested in teaching a class, contact Skye Dunn at .
Will there be swim teams?
- The current plan is for the SWARC to have a swim team. There has not been any confirmation from the school district if they would like to run the high school swim team at the SWARC. Those discussions will be forthcoming later this year.
Is there going to be a 3rd grade swim program?
- Yes, the South Whidbey Parks and Aquatics Foundation (SWPAF) has been raising money and we are working with the school district to work out the logistics so that all 3rd graders at the elementary school can come over and take swim lessons at the SWARC. This will start in either the fall of 2027 or the fall of 2028 (TBD). If we are not able to do it starting in 2027, the SWPAF will provide vouchers to 3rd graders. When the school day lessons begin, 3rd graders who do not attend public school will be given a voucher from the SWPAF for swim lessons.
Will there be financial assistance?
- Yes, in addition to the limited scholarship provided by the Parks District, the SWPAF is raising funds to ensure that money is not a barrier to those who want to swim!
Will there be kid parties and the ability to rent the pool?
- Yes, we have two party room in the center that can be rented. How and if a group can rent an entire pool is something that has not been decided, but will be part of the Board’s discussion in terms of setting rate categories.