Shoreline Prop 1 would fund a new pool for Shoreline - city information sessions scheduled on Zoom

Old Shoreline Pool October 2022

On June 1, the Shoreline City Council adopted Resolution No. 562. The resolution places Shoreline Proposition 1 on the November 3 general election ballot to create the Shoreline Metropolitan Park District (MPD).

If approved by Shoreline voters, Proposition 1 would create the Shoreline MPD, which would enable the City to build and operate a pool facility with financing from Shoreline MPD property tax revenue

You can learn more about Shoreline Proposition 1 here

City staff will provide a factual presentation and answer questions at six upcoming events.

The Zoom meeting dates are:

• Wednesday, September 23 – 7:00 p.m.
• Friday, September 25 – 11:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, September 30 – 12:00 p.m.
• Thursday, October 1 – 7:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 6 – 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday, October 8 – 11:30 a.m.

Follow the link below or call the number to join:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87011115482

Phone: 1-253-205-0468

Meeting ID: 870 1111 5482

The old Shoreline Pool was past its useful life, although staff kept it looking good. Parts would regularly break. New parts were not being manufactured, so staff had to search the U.S. to find and purchase used parts.

Finally the decision was made to remove the pool entirely. The pool has been replaced by a large picnic pavilion which is available for rental or for casual use.

Now Shoreline has no public pool but two private pools - one specially for children. Mountlake Terrace has a pool but they are facing the same problem as Shoreline - an aging pool and no source for parts.

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Informational sessions on Shoreline Proposition 1

On June 1, 2026 the Shoreline City Council adopted Resolution No. 562. 

The resolution places Shoreline Proposition 1 on the November 3 general election ballot to create the Shoreline Metropolitan Park District (MPD). 

If approved by Shoreline voters, Proposition 1 would create the Shoreline MPD, which would enable the City to build and operate a pool facility with financing from Shoreline MPD property tax revenue.

You can learn more about Shoreline Proposition 1 HERE.

City staff will provide a factual presentation and answer questions at 12 upcoming events.
The Zoom meeting dates are:

• Tuesday, September 1 - 12:00 p.m.
• Thursday, September 3 - 7:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, September 9 - 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday, September 10 - 12:00 p.m.
• Monday, September 14 - 12:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, September 15 - 7:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, September 23 - 7:00 p.m.
• Friday, September 25 - 11:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, September 30 - 12:00 p.m.
• Thursday, October 1 - 7:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 6 - 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday, October 8 - 11:30 a.m.

Follow this link 

or call the number to join: Phone: 1-253-205-0468

Meeting ID: 870 1111 5482

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City Council seeks volunteers for voters’ pamphlet pro and con committees for Creation of a Metropolitan Park District

City Council seeks volunteers for voters’ pamphlet pro and con committees for Shoreline Proposition 1:

Creation of a Metropolitan Park District to build, maintain, and operate a pool facility

At its June 1 meeting, the Shoreline City Council adopted Resolution 562 placing Proposition 1 on the November 3, 2026, general election ballot.

Accompanying the ballots will be the King County Voters Pamphlet. The pamphlet will include an explanatory statement from the City that states the effect of the measure if approved. 

In response will be statements in support and opposition to the ballot measure. State law requires the City Council to appoint two committees to draft the pro and con statements. The committees can have no more than three members each; however, the committees may seek advice from any person or persons. The committees will also have an opportunity to write a rebuttal statement to the other side’s statement.

Individuals interested in applying for one of the committee positions should submit an online application no later than June 30, 2026. 

If you would like a paper copy of the application, contact the City Clerk’s Office at clk@shorelinewa.gov or 206-801-2230. 

The City Council will review applications and appoint the committee members at its July 13, 2026, business meeting.

To learn more about the requirements for the voter’s pamphlet and the duties of the pro and con committees, you can review the 2026 Jurisdiction Manual at King County Elections.

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Metropolitan Park District and the Shoreline Pool

Concept design for new Shoreline Pool

The City of Shoreline is putting a proposition on the November ballot to create a Metropolitan Park District to build, maintain, and operate a pool facility.

What is a metropolitan park district?

A metropolitan park district (MPD) is a junior property taxing district with special taxing authority for the management, control, improvement, maintenance, and acquisition of parks, pathways, boulevards, recreational facilities, programs, and services.

What would the Shoreline MPD cover?

The Shoreline MPD would be created for the purpose of constructing, operating, and maintaining the proposed recreational pool facility and for potential future recreational facilities.

How big would the pool facility be and where would it be located?

Based on the current preliminary design, the facility would be approximately 48,000 square feet and include the following: 

• 8-lane, 25-yard, lap pool with starting platforms, two 1m diving boards, stepped entry, ramp and lift access
• recreation pool with stepped entry, ramp, lift access, and a lazy river/current channel for water walking and floating 
• hydrotherapy pool with stepped entry and lift access 
• sauna
• universal change rooms with individual rooms, stalls, and private and deck showers
• pool spectator area with flexible seating options
• lobby with seating, pool viewing area, and snack bar
• classroom and party room 
• staff area and service spaces 
• green spaces between the building and street with connection to the Interurban Trail

More detail on the concept designs of the pool facility is available in the Shoreline Pool Facility Concept Design Report: Select Highlights.

Where would the pool facility be built?

The pool would be built north of City Hall on City-owned property at 17828 Midvale Ave N.

How much would this pool facility cost to build?

The total cost to build the pool facility is estimated to be about $100 million. This total includes design, permitting, construction, paying off the property purchase, and related fees and contingencies. The proposed MPD revenue would be used to finance $95 million of one-time project costs, with the balance funded with a grant from King County.

The $100 million estimated capital construction cost includes $16.6 million to pay off the remaining property purchase.

How much would it cost to operate and maintain the pool?

Current cost estimates show operations and maintenance costs for the first five years averaging about $4.4 million with anticipated revenue from user and rental fees bringing in about $2.9 million. This means that the anticipated revenue generated from user and rental fees would cover 66% of the costs to operate and maintain the pool facility. The remaining 34%, approximately $1.5 million, would be provided from the ongoing MPD property tax. By subsidizing some of the operations and maintenance costs with MPD revenue, we can keep the costs lower for users, making the pool more accessible and affordable.

Does the current proposal to construct a pool facility include constructing a recreation facility

No. The current proposal is just to build a pool facility. However, creation of the Shoreline MPD would allow for the construction of recreation facilities in the future should additional funding be available.

Who pays the property tax for the MPD?

Property owners within the boundaries of the Shoreline MPD, which are the same as the boundaries of the City of Shoreline, would pay the property tax.

How much would the property tax cost property owners?

Preliminary cost estimates for property owners are in the table below.

Why did the former Shoreline Pool close?

King County built the former Shoreline Pool, a 6-lane lap pool, in 1971. By 2020, the pool had reached the end of its useful life and needed significant repairs, maintenance, and upgrades to keep it operational. After years of providing emergency repairs to keep the aging facility open, the City decided to close that facility. The City initially scheduled the closure for September 2021. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City permanently closed the pool in June 2020.

Additional information here

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Background information on the Shoreline Pool

The old Shoreline Pool

By Diane Hettrick

A little history

The old Shoreline Pool was built as part of the 1968 King County Forward Thrust bond.

An assessment made in 2013 showed the pool needed significant health and safety upgrades and other major maintenance to keep it operational.

In 2015, the City Council made the decision to invest $750,000 in several mid-term repairs to extend the life of the pool for another five to seven years. At the time, the contractor had to conduct a nationwide search to find some of the parts needed for the repairs as parts were no longer made for the pool’s outdated equipment.

School swim teams

The pool was used by the swim teams from Shorewood and Shorecrest. Their season lasts three months and the district runs on a lean budget, so there has never been consideration of the school district building and maintaining a pool.

Since the Shoreline pool was closed in 2021, Shorewood trains at the private Innis Arden pool and Shorecrest trains at the private Sheridan Beach pool. Both are outdoor pools and the boys season is in the winter.

The land

The land where the old pool was located belongs to the school district. It was an arrangement that worked for years but I can't think what sense it makes to build a multi-million dollar facility on someone else's land.

New picnic shelter at Shoreline Park
at the site of the old Shoreline Pool

The parks department has now built a large picnic shelter on the site, thanks to funding obtained by Sen. Jesse Salomon, and much to the delight of the Echo Lake Neighborhood Association, which finally has a place for gatherings such as its annual picnic.

Other pools

There are other nearby pools: The YMCA is a membership organization and it is not cheap. Mountlake Terrace built a very nice pool facility but they are already talking about the difficulty of getting parts and the need to replace the pool. Lynnwood has a beautiful facility that they remodeled in 2011 but they are fully scheduled. When Mountlake Terrace closes, it will be even more difficult to schedule new groups.

Who used the Shoreline Pool?

The Shoreline Pool had a full schedule of swim lessons, the swim teams, water polo, diving, lifeguard training. Beyond that there were after hours sessions for adults and children with disabilities. There were special exercise classes, water safety classes, water aerobics, diving classes, water polo teams, and mother-baby swim classes. A kayak class met late at night, learning how to right their boats after tipping over in the water. It was rented out for private parties.

I met a homeless woman who went to the pool to take a shower and never got near the pool itself. I did that myself during an extended power outage.

The previous pool bond

When the previous bond issue was on the ballot in 2019, it had a 54% yes vote but failed the 60% validation requirement required for bonds. It also included everything currently at the Spartan Gym, with the assumption that the city would no longer need the gym.

This time there was extensive public outreach to see what people wanted from a pool facility. The Spartan Gym will remain a recreation site separate from the pool.

Storage court would be the site for a new pool

New location for the pool

When the city had the opportunity to buy the storage locker property a few doors down from City Hall, they didn't hesitate, so we already own the land. The location is in the center of the city, and right along a frequent transit line and a walking trail, making it more accessible to all.

How to pay for the new pool

Revenue generated by the pool activities would cover 66% of the costs to operate and maintain the pool. The remaining 34% would need to come from other revenue sources, such as taxes.

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Shoreline to place measure on the November ballot to fund a community swimming pool

The city owns the land where it proposes to place a community pool

From the Puget Sound Business Journal

Shoreline lawmakers are pushing a measure on the November ballot that would deliver a new $100 million aquatic center, replacing a city-owned storage facility.

This is the city’s second attempt to finance an indoor pool following a failed 2019 ballot measure to create a new parks and pool bond.

“There’s a lot of disappointment that the previous bond did not pass,” Shoreline City Councilmember Chris Roberts said at Monday’s meeting. “Having a public facility is so important to the health and well-being of the community."

The City Council unanimously passed the resolution Monday night to put the measure on the ballot. If approved by voters, the measure would create a Metropolitan Park District with the same boundaries as the city of Shoreline to levy property taxes to build and maintain a new pool facility and future recreational centers.

The initial taxing rate is expected to be $0.55 per $1,000 and generate $8.8 million annually.

The approximately 48,000-square-foot indoor pool would replace the storage facility at 17828 Midvale Ave N, (close to Shoreline City Hall). The city’s previous 1970s-era pool closed in 2020 due to its age and the impact of the pandemic.

Planning for the project began in 2024. A preliminary design completed in February includes an eight-lane lap pool, a recreation pool with a lazy river feature, a hydrotherapy pool and a sauna. Additional space on the property could allow for another recreation facility, if funding becomes available, according to a staff report.

Construction costs are estimated at $61.2 million, as well as $22.2 million in “soft costs,” which include design and permitting fees.

The city owns the project site but would need to pay off $16.6 million in outstanding debt on the land.

A King County grant would provide $5 million for the project’s construction. Revenue from the new taxing district would fund the remaining $95 million.

User fees and rentals would recover 66% of the pool’s average annual operating costs, with the rest coming from property taxes, according to staff.

If voters approve the measure, construction would begin in the third quarter of 2028.

For more stories like this one, sign up for the Business Journal’s free morning and afternoon daily newsletters or download our free app.

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Pro/Con Committee applications open for Shoreline Proposition 1 for a pool facility

Shoreline City Council seeks volunteers for voters’ pamphlet pro and con committees for

Shoreline Proposition 1: Creation of a Metropolitan Park District to build, maintain, and operate a pool facility

Photo courtesy the Seattle Channel

At its June 1, 2026 meeting, the Shoreline City Council adopted Resolution 562 placing Proposition 1 on the November 3, 2026, general election ballot.

Accompanying the ballots will be the King County Voters Pamphlet. The pamphlet will include an explanatory statement from the City that states the effect of the measure if approved. In response will be statements in support and opposition to the ballot measure. 

State law requires the City Council to appoint two committees to draft the pro and con statements. The committees can have no more than three members each; however, the committees may seek advice from any person or persons. The committees will also have an opportunity to write a rebuttal statement to the other side’s statement.

Individuals interested in applying for one of the committee positions should submit an online application no later than June 30, 2026. 

If you would like a paper copy of the application, contact the City Clerk’s Office at clk@shorelinewa.gov or 206-801-2230. The City Council will review applications and appoint the committee members at its July 13, 2026, business meeting.

To learn more about the requirements for the voter’s pamphlet and the duties of the pro and con committees, you can review the 2026 Jurisdiction Manual at King County Elections.

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Pool facility exploration project update

Current site plan

On March 12, 2026, the Shoreline City Council discussed the potential Pool Facility Ballot Measure. They reviewed the proposed design for the pool facility and preliminary cost estimates. They also discussed using property taxes collected through a metropolitan park district to pay for it.

The City Council is interested in moving forward with a ballot measure in November 2026 to build, run, and maintain a new pool facility. Staff are scheduled to present draft ballot materials to the City Council at their May 11 Council meeting. Council has until the end of July to decide whether to place a measure on the November ballot for Shoreline voters to make the final decisions.

Visit the City’s Pool Facility Exploration Project webpage to see the current design booklet and learn more about the project.

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Shoreline Pool facility design open house online

The City of Shoreline is exploring the possibility of a 2026 ballot measure to build, run, and maintain a new public indoor pool facility and is currently working on a preliminary design.

You are invited to participate in the Pool Design Online Open House now through November 30, 2025.

Over 65 community members attended an in-person Design Open House on Thursday, November 13. 

We know that many community members who are interested in learning more and providing comments were not able to attend in person.

The online version of the Open House has the same information as the in-person event. You can learn about the project, see a preliminary design, and understand the exploration process. 

Frequently Asked Questions here

The Online Open House materials include a PDF of design poster boards with information including a map, the site plan, floor plan, changing room options, project timeline and construction cost, and images of what other pools from our design consultants look like.

Learn more and participate in the Design Open House

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Shoreline Pool Facility Exploration Process Design Open House

Attend the Shoreline Pool Facility Exploration Process Design Open House

• Time: Thursday, November 13, 2025: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
• Location: Shoreline City Hall Council Chambers 17500 Midvale Ave N

The City is exploring the possibility of a 2026 ballot measure to build, run, and maintain a new public indoor pool facility. Design consultants and City staff are currently working on a preliminary design.

Join the City for an in-person pool design open house at City Hall. 

You can learn about the project, see a preliminary design, and understand the exploration process. 

Drop-in at any time - there is no formal presentation scheduled. Design consultants and City staff will have large prints of the design work to date and information about the project for you to review. 

Consultants and staff will be ready to answer your questions.

Can’t attend? The materials are available online now. Learn more here

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Share your ideas about a Shoreline Pool

By Diane Hettrick

Unlike the previous Shoreline pool proposal, the city of Shoreline is doing extensive outreach to every person and group who could possibly be interested in having and using a local pool. 

The webpage has information about the process to collect information, a timeline. and most importantly, a survey where you can share your thoughts.

An advisory committee will be formed and you can put your name forward to be included. 

All the ideas and planning will go before the city council in March of 2026 and the city council will have until summer of 2026 to decide whether to proceed with a bond issue.

If they do, we would vote on the bond in November of 2026.

The survey and information are here.

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Shoreline Pool Facility Exploration: You can inform the facility design

The City of Shoreline continues to explore the possibility of placing a ballot measure before Shoreline voters in 2026 to build, run, and maintain a public indoor pool facility. 

Our contracted design team began preliminary design work for a pool facility in June. This work involves doing a geotechnical analysis of the site (17828 Midvale Ave N), creating concept plan ideas, and creating a 10% schematic design due by February 2026.

We want YOUR input during the concept design phase, which runs now through November. Here are three ways to share your thoughts.

1.  Serve on the Shoreline Pool Advisory Committee: Apply Now

The City Manager will appoint 14 to 16 community members to serve on the Pool Facility Advisory Committee (Pool Committee). The Pool Committee will meet eight times from September 2025 through February 2026. The Pool Committee will make a recommendation to the City Manager about the initial design of a new pool facility.

The Pool Committee will reflect the diversity of the Shoreline community, including both swimmers and non-swimmers. Pool Committee members will receive a stipend of $50 for each meeting. Learn more about the Pool Committee’s work and find the application at shorelinewa.gov/poolfacility. Applications are due by 5:00pm on Monday, July 28, 2025.

2.  Summer Engagement: July – August

We want to know what your top priorities are for a new pool facility. What do you think it should include? Some examples are lap swimming, swimming lessons, water aerobics, water polo, play structures, accessible zero-depth entry, party rooms, and a diving well.

This summer, we will gather your input at different events, including Swingin’ Summer Eve, Celebrate Shoreline, and select Noon Concerts, and Saturday Farmers Markets. You can also share your input on our project website. See the event schedule and share your feedback online here

3.  November Facility Design Open House

In November, we will host an open house for you to review the pool concept design and share your feedback. We will share more details on the project website this fall.

More information here

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Shoreline City Manager to appoint Pool Facility Advisory Committee

Demolition of the old Shoreline Pool
photo courtesy City of Shoreline

Applications due July 28

Are you interested in helping to plan for a potential new pool facility in Shoreline? Then apply to be a member of the City’s Pool Facility Advisory Committee (Pool Committee). 

The City Manager will appoint 12 to 14 community members to serve on the Pool Committee. They will meet from September 2025 through February 2026.

Next spring and summer (2026), the City Council will discuss whether to place a pool facility funding measure on the November 2026 election ballot. 

As a starting point for that discussion, the City Manager will provide the Council with a recommendation. 

The Pool Committee will review and provide input on pool designs, purposes, and costs. They will also learn about the funding model. After this review, the Committee’s main goal is to provide a recommendation to the City Manager. He will then use that information to help create his recommendation to the City Council.

The Pool Committee will meet eight times in person at Shoreline City Hall. We will hold the meetings on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00pm. 

If you are interested in serving on the Pool Committee, please visit shorelinewa.gov/poolfacility for details and to fill out the online application. If you would like a paper application, you can email hmdelacruz@shorelinewa.gov or call 206-801-2227.

Applications are due by 5:00pm July 28, 2025.

The City Manager is looking to appoint a broad range of community members. Committee members will receive a $50 stipend per meeting. You don’t need to have prior experience serving on a committee or a board to apply.

In addition to the appointed community members, a member of the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services/Tree Board and a Shoreline School District staff representative will also sit on the Pool Committee.

For more information about the project and to apply to be a member of the committee, go to shorelinewa.gov/poolfacility.

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Shoreline City Manager to appoint Pool Facility Advisory Committee

Old Mountlake Terrace pool

Are you interested in helping to plan for a potential new pool facility in Shoreline? Then apply to be a member of the City’s Pool Facility Advisory Committee (Pool Committee). 

The City Manager will appoint 12 to 14 community members to serve on the Pool Committee. They will meet from September 2025 through February 2026.

Next spring and summer (2026), the City Council will discuss whether to place a pool facility funding measure on the November 2026 election ballot. As a starting point for that discussion, the City Manager will provide the Council with a recommendation. 

The Pool Committee will review and provide input on pool designs, purposes, and costs. They will also learn about the funding model. After this review, the Committee’s main goal is to provide a recommendation to the City Manager. He will then use that information to help create his recommendation to the City Council.

The Pool Committee will meet eight times in person at Shoreline City Hall. We will hold the meetings on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00pm. 

If you are interested in serving on the Pool Committee, please visit shorelinewa.gov/poolfacility for details and to fill out the online application. 

If you would like a paper application, you can email hmdelacruz@shorelinewa.gov or call 206-801-2227.

Applications are due by 5:00pm July 28, 2025.

The City Manager is looking to appoint a broad range of community members. Committee members will receive a $50 stipend per meeting. You don’t need to have prior experience serving on a committee or a board to apply.

In addition to the appointed community members, a member of the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services/Tree Board and a Shoreline School District staff representative will also sit on the Pool Committee.

For more information about the project and to apply to be a member of the committee, go to shorelinewa.gov/poolfacility.

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August King County Park Levy would fund new parks, trails, and pools

By Oliver J. Moffat

A levy on the August ballot, co-sponsored by Councilmember Rod Dembowski, would bring millions for North King County recreation if passed.

A preliminary concept created by Toole Design shows a potential route to fill the half-mile gap in the Interurban Trail where cyclists and pedestrians must cross SR104 between Shoreline and Edmonds - curtesy North Sound Bicycle Advocates

The levy would dedicate $5 million towards connecting the Interurban Trail between Shoreline and Edmonds. Currently, pedestrians and cyclists must navigate a half-mile of busy, unsafe roads and brave a death-defying crossing of State Route 104. Proposed solutions include building a bridge over the highway. 

Another $10 million for the connection was included in the state’s transportation budget sponsored by Senator Liias from Edmonds.

The levy would include $5 million for a new Shoreline pool. A levy for a Shoreline Aquatics and Community Center on the 2019 ballot failed to pass. Shoreline budgeted $720.9k for planning a new aquatics center and preparing a 2026 bond measure for voter approval.

An areal image from the LFP website shows the location of the proposed city-owned Lakefront park

The City of Lake Forest Park would receive $4 million for the planned Lakefront Park, a future 3.3-acre park on Lake Washington near the Burke-Gilman Trail and across Bothell Way from Town Center. It will provide public water access and is estimated to cost $12 million.

A map from the city of Kenmore shows the 13.29-acres of the former landfill the city plans to acquire for a waterfront park

$15 million from the proposed levy is allocated to Kenmore for Lakepointe property acquisition. Kenmore recently accepted $8 million towards the planned waterfront park with a trail and wildlife habitat at the former landfill.

A rendering from the city of Bothell shows the possible future layout of the Park at Bothell Landing including a skatepark and pump track

A proposed Skatepark and Pump Track at the Park at Bothell Landing would receive $1 million from the proposed King County Parks Levy renewal. Bothell is holding a workshop on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at City Hall to gather community input on the design phase of this project.

If approved by voters in August, the levy would raise $1.45 billion over six years and would cost a median-valued home owner about $16.33 a month.

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Exploring possibilities for a Shoreline pool facility

The site of the old Shoreline Pool was leveled and planted with grass.
A picnic shelter will be built there, next to Shoreline Park
Photo by Gidget Terpstra

The City of Shoreline is beginning to explore the possibility of placing a ballot measure before Shoreline voters to build, run, and maintain a public indoor pool facility. This work builds on years of public input. Residents have expressed interest in a new pool that meets the community’s needs while also not overburdening taxpayers.

King County built the former Shoreline Pool in 1971. When Shoreline became a City in 1995, we took control of the pool. We maintained and ran the pool for more than two decades. However, in its later years, it became clear that the pool was reaching the end of its useful life. Maintenance costs increased and it became harder to make the repairs on the aging equipment.

In anticipation of eventually needing to close the pool, we conducted a feasibility study on building a new pool facility. We also sought community input and heard from hundreds of community members through development of the 2017-2023 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan and other outreach. Most people expressed interest in a new pool facility.

Through a concept design process that involved input from a resident advisory committee, the City Council decided to place a Parks and Pool bond measure on the November 2019 ballot. The bond measure asked Shoreline voters if they wanted to fund a new 75,000 square foot pool, recreation, and community center, in addition to funding for redevelopment of four parks. Although the measure received a majority “Yes” vote (54%), it did not receive the required 60% “Yes” vote needed to pass a bond measure.

Following the failed bond measure, the Council made the difficult decision to close the Shoreline Pool in the fall of 2021. However, in 2020 with the COVID 19 pandemic, we had to suspend Pool operations. This lead to permanently closing the Pool earlier than anticipated in the fall of 2020 (a year earlier than scheduled). This left a gap in access to pool activities for Shoreline community members.

The cost of the proposed facility in 2019 was a significant concern for many residents. Many asked the City to look at ways to bring down costs including through partnerships. The City has spent several years exploring potential partnerships with neighboring cities and organizations to see if a larger joint pool project would work. Unfortunately, due to a variety of factors, we concluded that a partnership wouldn’t work. If the community wants a new pool, the City needs to build it itself.

In March 2024, the City Council directed staff to explore designing a new pool-only facility. The new facility would focus on a lap pool and warmer water recreation spaces. It would be smaller in overall size than the facility proposed in 2019. 

The new facility would not include sport courts and other gym-type recreation spaces. Spartan Recreation Center would continue to be the City’s primary recreation center, with its two gymnasiums, weight room, and several recreation multipurpose spaces. The proposed pool-only facility would be located in the same place as the proposed 2019 facility, north of City Hall.

Exploring a pool-only facility will include creating an initial design, managing a community advisory committee process, seeking public input, and developing costs and impacts to property taxes. The City Council would then decide on whether to place a measure on the ballot for voters to consider.

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Shoreline draft budget would increase funding for a pool and homelessness while avoiding recession risk

The City purchased the storage court on Midvale as a site for an aquatics center.
Photo from Google

By Oliver Moffat

The Shoreline city council reviewed the city’s financial report and draft budget and capital improvement plan at the September 16 city council meeting.

City staff told the council  “the City continues to maintain a healthy financial position, including maintenance of its AA+ bond rating and a Standard & Poor’s (S&P) ratings outlook of “stable.” The proposed 2025-2026 Biennial Budget will continue to be balanced and in compliance with the City’s financial and reserve policies.”

The proposed budget includes more funding for human services and homelessness and money for another aquatics center ballot measure.

The city also wants $720.9k to ask voters (again) to approve an aquatics center on the November 2026 general election ballot. A bond measure in 2019 to pay for the pool failed to pass because it required 60% approval and only received 54% of the votes. 

In 2020, the city bought the storage court north of city hall as the future site of the aquatics center and (according to the city’s 2024 financial report) earned $662,518 on the property. 

Now the city wants to spend $720.9k on “public engagement, planning, conceptual design, cost estimating, ballot measure development, and preparation for design development and permitting” for the pool.

Currently the city plans to spend $624,112 next year on human services and homelessness - 1.0% of its general fund revenues. The city wants to increase that funding by $323.4k to dedicate a full-time employee to focus on managing the city’s human services programs and data collection. 

And the city would increase support for the Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center, homelessness outreach, severe weather sheltering, utility assistance, and holiday baskets.

The city also requested $100k to commission an Affordable Housing Feasibility Study. Despite repeated resident requests for the city to take action on homelessness, in April, the Shoreline council approved a housing and human services plan that recommended the city instead “Maintain Current Level of Service” while city staff continue to study the problem.

Last week, the council reviewed the biennial resident satisfaction survey in which residents said, of all city services, they were most dissatisfied with Shoreline’s “overall response to homelessness” and residents said the city should do more to address homelessness - more than any other city service. In 2020 and again in 2022, residents told the city the same.

The city council will review a report from the King County Regional Homelessness Authority at the September 23 meeting and city staff said they will present the council with specifics on the human services and homelessness plan at the October 21 meeting.

A graph from the city shows Shoreline operating budget forecast

The city is forecasting the probability of a recession in 2025 or 2026 at about 30-45% - which would not only exacerbate homelessness but could also lower revenue from sales tax and property taxes.

Because of high Interest rates and construction costs revenue from real estate fees and taxes have decreased. Compared to last year, Real Estate Excise Tax revenue for streets and sidewalks are down nearly 25% and Park Impact Fee revenue for park improvements are down more than 50%.

Sales tax revenue was up nearly 25% compared to last year but the city is forecasting revenue to remain flat as construction cools in the city.

The city’s largest revenue source is property tax. When shoreline voters last approved a levy lid lift in 2022, the city said the property tax rate would be $1.39 per $1000 of assessed value. With cooling real estate sales, the King County Assessor decreased Shoreline’s assessed value in 2024, resulting in a higher tax rate of $1.62 per $1000.

Under state law, the combined property tax rate for the city, fire department and library may not exceed $3.60 per $1000. Libraries are allowed to charge up to $0.50 and fire departments can charge as much as $1.50 of that $3.60 per $1000.

Which means that if Shoreline’s assessed value continues to decline and the fire department and library also increase their rates, the city could reach the maximum property tax limit leading to a budget shortfall.

The city council will hold public hearings on the proposed budget, property taxes, fees, and Capital Improvement Plan on November 4 and November 18.

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City of Mountlake Terrace considering future of Recreation Pavilion

By Diane Hettrick

Here's a story familiar to Shoreline residents. The Rec Pavilion in Mountlake Terrace is aging, should have been replaced 15 years ago, parts are no longer available, and it has reached a point where something has to be done.

When Shoreline was faced with this issue, they tore down the pool and planted grass.

MLT ia a small city and swimming pools are very expensive. The Rec Pavilion has extensive use and it's no secret that many of its users live in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park.

Following is an article published in MLTNews.com

Mountlake Terrace Recreation Pavilion
Photo courtesy City of Mountlake Terrace

While beloved for generations, the Mountlake Terrace Recreation Pavilion is worse for the wear. The Mountlake Terrace City Council is scheduled to hear a presentation at its Thursday, Aug. 22 meeting about the status of the building and options that mainly involve renovation or replacement.

“We knew eventually this would be a discussion we’d have to have,” said Jeff Betz, the city’s recreation and parks director. “It’s been recommended for replacement for over 15 years now.”

Betz was citing the work of the Civic Facilities Advisory Task Force, a volunteer group that spent much of 2008 studying city Hall, the police department and the Pavilion.

Since then, not much has changed: The Pavilion is aging beyond repair, and any fix is going to cost money.

The Recreation Pavilion is a distinctive, hexagonal work of 1960s architecture. According to a city news release, its 33,000 square feet host an award-winning pool, plus spaces for dance, fitness, child care, racquetball and an indoor playground. The facility saw 270,000 visits in 2023. That figure is especially striking in a town of 24,260.

Maintenance is challenging: Many of the needed parts no longer are produced. Some repairs would require months of closing the doors. Plumbing and electrical systems look like you walked into a time-warp. Sites like eBay don’t sell these items anymore.

Earlier this year, staff examined the panels of the system that controls the flow of air around the pool. They found spots that were rusted through, something they likened to seeing footage from a shipwreck.

As thecouncil decides next steps, public outreach will be crucial, Betz said.

“There aren’t many public pools anymore, because they’re expensive,” he said. “It’s a lot for one small city to manage by ourselves. We can’t do anything this big without talking to our community first. The Pavilion is an important part of people’s lives.”

City council meetings start at 7 p.m. at city hall and via Zoom. They also are streamed at www.youtube.com/cityofmlt. As a reminder, 24-hour registration is required to provide comment via Zoom. More info: www.cityofmlt.com/129.

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As if it never were - the Shoreline Pool site

 

Photo by Gidget Terpstra

By Diane Hettrick

Once upon a time, a long, long time ago, Shoreline had a public pool. It was old, small, and lacked a diving well, hot pools, and other amenities, but it was in constant use.

Generations of local kids learned to swim there and some continued on to get their Red Cross certification. Swim and dive teams - boys and girls - from our high schools used the pool as their training area. 

Kayak classes were held in the evening. Special needs kids were able to have water time in a heated, indoor space. 

The land is owned by the Shoreline School District, which has no immediate plans for it. The pool was owned by the City of Shoreline, which arranged for the demolition and restoration of the site. Now that the grass has grown, a new resident would never know that a pool had been there.

The City of Shoreline has grant money and would love to put in a picnic shelter, which would open the adjacent Shoreline Park to community events.

As for the pool, there are plans in the works. Garrett Oppenheim, Assistant to the City Manager of Kenmore, is in charge of plans for a regional aquatic center.

I am happy to report that the City of Kenmore received two $100,000 grants from King County to perform aquatic center feasibility studies. We have partnered with the cities of Lake Forest Park and Shoreline for one study and with the city of Kirkland for the other. 

Our four cities are working together to prepare an RFP to issue in late January or early February and expect to select a consultant in March with their work to be completed in November.

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County ‘Penny for Pools’ grant brings $2 million to North King County

The King County Council this week approved the first of three rounds of Aquatic Facilities Grants, including a $1.8 million grant to fund critical renovations at the Juanita High School pool and two $100,000 grants for North King County aquatic center studies.

The competitive grant program is in part possible thanks to the “penny for pools” amendment in the voter-approved 2020-2025 Parks Levy, which was authored by King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski to help address the significant need for swimming pools countywide. 

The program seeks to assist public aquatic facilities through capital funding at any stage from feasibility studies through renovation and repair.

“In my time serving on the King County Council, one of the most frequent topics in my discussions with constituents is the urgent need for an aquatic center in North King County,” Dembowski said. 

“For that reason, I was proud to author the ‘penny for pools' amendment in the King County Parks Levy. It is very exciting to see that amendment come to life with these historic investments in swimming pools and future aquatic facilities.”

One of the $100,000 grants is for a partnership with the cities of Kenmore, Shoreline and Lake Forest Park to find a site and determine appropriate features for a community aquatic center. 

The other $100,000 grant is for a similar partnership between the cities of Kenmore and Kirkland. The four cities are coordinating to provide residents public indoor aquatic access year-round. Based on the growing populations in all four cities, there is believed to be demand and need to support one if not two new regional aquatic facilities.

“Kenmore is strongly committed to connecting our residents to aquatic activities,” said Kenmore Mayor Nigel Herbig. “We are excited to put these King County grants to work with our neighboring cities to study options for one or more aquatic centers to serve North King County residents.”

Built in 1971, the Juanita High School pool is shared by six high schools: Juanita High School, Inglemoor High School, Woodinville High School, Bothell High School, North Creek High School, and Lake Washington High School. The pool is also used by the WAVE Aquatics water polo program. The $1.8 million grant will fund critical updates including outdated HVAC, pool equipment, and much-needed ADA upgrades.

In August 2019, King County residents overwhelmingly supported the Parks Levy which provides funding support for parks and open space throughout the County.

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