information from Seattle Parks

Colman Pool, West Seattle’s outdoor pool and Seattle’s only heated saltwater pool, celebrates its 75th birthday this year, and Seattle Parks and Recreation is holding a celebration on July 4.

Before the celebration at 10:15am Mural Conservator Peter Malarkey will offer a presentation.

The Southwest Seattle Historical Society conducted an interview (see the video) with West Seattle resident Jean Crowther Carroll, who was one of two teen-agers who were the first swimmers to dive into West Seattle's brand-new Colman Pool when it opened on July 4, 1941. In the interview she looks back on the opening day as well as on the more rudimentary pool -- dubbed by some as "The Old Mud Hole" -- that preceded it. The first segment of the video was filmed at a West Seattle Junction mural depicting "The Old Mud Hole," and the remainder was filmed at Colman Pool.

The celebration at the pool, 8603 Fauntleroy Way SW in Lincoln Park, will begin on the deck at 11 a.m. and include light refreshments and special entertainment. The celebration on the deck is free; regular fees apply for all swims, however the slide will be free all day. See swim schedule below.

The event will also include the unveiling of the restored entry mural, which was commissioned in 1941 when the pool was opened. The mural was restored with help from the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture. A presentation by mural conservator Peter Malarkey will take place in the lobby at 10:15 a.m.

Swim schedule for July 4
Noon-1:30 p.m. -- Lap and family swims
1:45-4:45 p.m. -- Public swim (slide and diving board open)
5-7p.m. -- Lap and family swims

About Colman Pool
Colman Pool enjoys a stunning setting on the beach and features the Giant Tube Slide and one-meter diving board. The pool is Olympic size (50 meters long with eight lanes) and the water is kept at 85 degrees F. For more information, please see http://www.seattle.gov/parks/aquatics/colman.htm.