Local legislators propose public-private partnership to temporarily reopen Yakima swimming pools
CONTACT: Brendon Wold, Deputy Communications Director | 360-786-7698
Local legislators propose public-private partnership to temporarily reopen Yakima swimming pools
(Press Conference at Lions Pool, Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 4:30PM)
Yakima County’s state legislators are working with community leaders to reopen Lions and Franklin swimming pools for limited runs this year.
“It boils down to money,” said Rep. Jeremie Dufault of Selah. “I think we can raise enough money locally to open both Lions and Franklin pools for a big part of the swim season. That buys us a year to see what we can do in Olympia.”
“We have significant financial commitments already, “said Rep. Chris Corry of Yakima. “The community has been very generous. It’s really been amazing.”
Dufault and Corry have secured $20,000 in commitments. Other local donations have raised the total pledged to $30,000. The group’s goal is $120,000, which would be used to open Lions pool in April and May and Franklin pool from June to August.
“I’m confident we’ll get $120,000,” said Dufault. “Yakima has a history of coming together during times of need.”
Corry is the Deputy Minority Leader, and the former top-ranking Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, which writes the state budget.
“Our goal is to raise enough money to keep the public pools in Yakima open for most or all of the summer,” he said. “Then we’ll see if we can find money in the state budget next year to make some badly needed repairs to them.”
Joining Dufault and Corry in the effort are Sen. Curtis King of Yakima, Sen. Nikki Torres of Pasco, Rep. Deb Manjarrez of Wapato and Rep. Gloria Mendoza of Grandview. All are Republicans.
“We have got to find a way to reopen these pools for Yakima’s kids and families,” the six legislators said in a joint statement. “Our plan is to reopen Lions Pool immediately and keep MLK and Franklin open for the summer.”
Yakima Mayor Matt Brown wants the city to chip in.
“This amazing effort by our legislators needs to be supported by the city of Yakima,” said Brown. “We need a total of $270,000 to open Lions in April and May and Franklin for the full summer. If the capital campaign is successful, I hope our staff can identify $150,000 in one-time money to get us all the way there.”
On Tuesday, the mayor called a special meeting of the Yakima City Council for Thursday, March 26 at 6 p.m. to discuss the issue.
