Ray Williamson Pool Bond Informational Meetings

If you would like to learn more about the proposed Ray Williamson Pool Bond Measure that will be on the August 6th ballot, join us at one of two public meetings:

Monday, June 17, 6:30 pm

Monday, July 15, 6:30 pm

Meeting location: Don Nakata Pool 8521 Madison Ave. Bainbridge Island

Built in 1970, the Ray Williamson Pool has been in continual operation for 54 years. Due to aging infrastructure, the Park District began investigating options for renovation or replacement of the Ray Williamson pool in 2016. In 2022, the District engaged Stemper Architectural Collaborative to complete a comprehensive assessment of the pool. The study concluded that renovation was the most fiscally responsible option. Renovation did not include increasing capacity, which was one of the goals identified over the past decade. In December of 2023, an idea was presented to the District to add two additional lanes and change the tank depth while completing the renovation. This idea has been vetted and found to be a feasible option by Stemper. The funding plan for the original project will be a combination of district reserves, fundraising, grants and loans, committing the District to extended loan payments for a minimum of 15 years. The funding plan for the expansion project is only possible with a bond measure, which would eliminate the need for a loan. The use of District reserves and fundraising is anticipated to be less. To complete the project, the District will need to secure a loan and commit up to $2.5 M in reserves. Passage of the bond eliminates the need for a loan and reduces the burden on reserves. Fundraising in either scenario could further reduce the impact on District resources.

If passed, the bond measure would:

• Expand the existing pool, adding two additional swimming lanes.
• Create a consistent pool depth to increase safety and meet user needs.

What would the proposed bond measure cost if it passes?

• Estimated bond tax rate of $0.06 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
• The owner of a home assessed at $1,000,000 would pay $60 per year or $5 per month.

What will happen if the proposed bond measure does not pass?

• The Ray Williamson Pool will be renovated in its current configuration.

For more information on the Ray Williamson Pool Project, please visit our Current Projects page.