Officials of White Water Aquatics Management, LLC, a not-for-profit subsidiary of an area swim team, today announce that they have reached an agreement to re-open Evergreen Community Aquatic Center (formerly Evergreen Pool) in White Center on or before May 1, 2010. From the time King County closed the pool last summer, the parents of children who compete on the Whitewater Aquatics Swim Team have worked with The Highline School District and King County to develop an operating agreement.

White Water Aquatics Management has developed a business plan to operate the pool with a full range of programming for diverse community needs, and has raised over $50,000 in private donations to get started.

“Swimming and water recreation offer lifelong health and safety benefits, and we are so pleased to be able to offer this programming to White Center and our community”, said Ed Marrs, president of Whitewater Aquatics, and a professional firefighter in The North Highline Fire District. “We would like to thank The Highline School District, King County, Dow Constantine and dozens of Whitewater Swim Team Families who all worked tirelessly to ensure that we could open this pool. Our unique public-private partnership is an example of how citizens can mobilize and assist government in challenging times”, he continued.

With repairs underway, planning for a spring break scrub-and-paint marathon, lesson calendars and schedule planning in the works – as well an operating swim team preparing for several swim meets - , it’s a “hectic time at The Evergreen Community Aquatic Center, but we are truly excited to embark on this new venture”, said newly appointed pool manager, current WWA Head Coach Joel Schweiger. “We hope to release our calendar and start promoting spring swim lessons by April 5th.” Schweiger, an accomplished competitive swimmer, has managed several pools in California and has over fourteen years coaching experience up to the highest levels of the sport.

About Evergreen Community Aquatic Center
The Evergreen Community Aquatic Center, formerly Evergreen Pool, is located at 606 SW 116th Street in Unincorporated King County. Built as one of the forward thrust bond issue pools in the 1960’s, until last year it was operated by King County. In January, ownership of the pool reverted to The Highline School District, which did not have the funding to re-open the pool. The pool is adjacent to the Burien annexation area but will remain in Unincorporated King County.

About Whitewater Swim Club
Whitewater Swim Team Club is a not-for-profit swim club which is governed by a parent board of directors, and coached by professionals. Sanctioned by USA Swimming, which governs the sport all up to the Olympic level, the club has over 80 youths age 7-21 on our team. Several of the swimmers at Whitewater also compete on Highline High and Mt. Rainier High Swim Teams, as well five area summer league teams. The swim club is open to all who would like to compete, and it will pay for its pool time at Evergreen Community Aquatics Center.