Community
What’s Happening
- Dedication Ceremony at 12:00 PM: Hear from local leaders including Board President Shane Young and City Manager Katherine Caffrey. The ceremony includes unveiling a plaque, recognizing past board members and dignitaries, and a proclamation in honor of James R. Ellis — the key figure behind Forward Thrust, who helped bring Mount Rainier Pool (and many others) into existence.
- Free Community Swim from 1:00–3:00 PM: Bring your swimsuit! The pool will be open for everyone—no preregistration needed. Guests will also receive a commemorative 50th Anniversary Duck as a keepsake.
- The facility will be closed for regular hours from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM to allow staff to prepare for the event.
Why This Matters
For half a century, Mount Rainier Pool has offered more than just swimming. It has been a place where kids learn water safety, families gather, and access to aquatic space is seen as a vital part of community health — especially for underserved and immigrant residents.
District General Manager Scott Deschenes emphasized the significance of the pool’s legacy:
“James Ellis believed public infrastructure was about equity, access, and civic pride. It’s our privilege to honor that legacy with an open door for the entire community each second Saturday of September.”
This event isn’t just about looking back; it’s about inspiring the next 50 years. The District will also share future plans for maintaining and expanding aquatic access in the years to come.
Special Recognition
As part of the celebration, the District will issue a proclamation in honor of James R. Ellis, the civic leader whose efforts helped construct 17 public pools in King County. To carry on his legacy, the pool will now offer free community access on the Second Saturday of each September in his memory.
James Ellis had an impact on almost all people living in King County that expanded past swimming pools. Click here for more information about James R. Ellis.
Where & When
- Location: Mount Rainier Pool, 22722 19th Ave South, Des Moines, WA
- Date & Time: Sunday, September 21, 2025 — Dedication at Noon, Free Swim 1-3 PM
All are welcome — whether you’ve been swimming here for decades or are just discovering the pool. Come relive memories, make new ones, and help set the course for another 50 years of water, wellness, and community.
If you have any questions, reach out to Mt. Rainier Pool at (206) 824-4722 or frontdesk@MtRainierPool.com.
Members Discussion