UVAB Winter Update – January 2025

Key members of the Upper Valley Aquatics Boosters met in November and again this January to discuss where we are on the idea of a year-round pool in Leavenworth.  A meeting was also held with the city administrator.  Key points that came out of these meetings are:

1. The city is very appreciative of UVAB efforts which they attribute to the passing of the recent PRSA Levy and value our continued support of the Howard Hopkins Memorial Pool.  A desire was expressed for us to hold promotional activities in 2025 such as another Splash Bash.

2. Through the passage of the recent PRSA levy, money has been added to this year’s pool budget.  Essential maintenance and repairs such as fixing our filtration system, replacing aging pumps, and re-addressing the failing pool liner are on the projects list as well as other improvements like a shade canopy or slide. The critical items that are needed to keep the pool open and functioning will be handled first.

3. The city currently requires critical infrastructure improvements such as upgrading our water, sewer, roads, and parking. There is also a need to expand our library & public works facilities. The UVAB remains hopeful that "development of a new pool" will eventually move to a higher priority on the city’s project list as the more pressing issues are addressed.

4. The UVAB proposed the following mission statement and will continue to investigate options for bringing year-round swimming to the Leavenworth area:

“We are a coalition to build enthusiasm, direction, support, and funds for our community pool in Leavenworth with the goal to create for the upper valley a vibrant year-round aquatics center that preserves a natural outdoor feel.”

5. The UVAB desires to use their continued support for the existing Howard Hopkins Memorial Pool as a springboard to establish a formal non-profit organization with a board and sub-committees lead by committee chairs. Until a formal organization is established, we will continue to operate in conjunction with the existing Leavenworth Swim Team.

6. Meanwhile, the UVAB is actively looking for people interested in providing their time and/or talent to serve as UVAB board or committee members, volunteers, or advisors to our group mission. Interested parties should email uvaboosters@gmail.com