During our recent visit to the South Whidbey Parks and Aquatics Foundation (SWPAF), we were inspired by the dedication and momentum behind one of South Whidbey’s most exciting new projects: the creation of a year-round, indoor public pool.
After years of community-led advocacy, voters overwhelmingly passed a $27 million bond in Fall 2023 to fund construction of the facility, to be located at Community Park. For the first time, South Whidbey will have a public aquatics center that’s easily accessible, welcoming, and designed with health and inclusion at its heart.
SWPAF is the volunteer-powered nonprofit working alongside the Parks District to make this vision a reality. Their focus is ensuring that this space isn’t just built—but that it’s built for everyone. Through their Community Access Fund, they’re raising dollars to cover free swim lessons for every third grader on South Whidbey and to provide reduced-cost memberships for families in need.
With support from Whidbey Community Foundation’s Community Health Grant Program, SWPAF will be purchasing equipment for water-based play and exercise—items that support both fun and fitness, from family swim time to senior-friendly aquatics classes. These features are part of a broader effort to ensure the pool fosters lifelong health and joy, for all ages and abilities.
Whether it’s learning to swim, recovering from injury, or just splashing around with friends, the new facility promises to be a place where wellness and community converge.
To follow pool construction progress or learn how to get involved, visit swparks.org/pool.
Support Community Health Grants
WCF’s Community Health Grant Program is dedicated to improving the well-being of Whidbey Island residents by addressing key factors that shape a thriving, healthy community. These grants support projects and organizations that enhance access to healthcare, promote healthy behaviors, strengthen social and economic stability, and improve environmental conditions that impact health. By funding initiatives that eliminate barriers to health and opportunity, WCF strives to create a more equitable and resilient community—one where every individual has the support needed to live a healthy, fulfilling life.
WCF is able to provide grants like these with broad support from our community. If you are interested in supporting the Community Health Grant Program, we ask that you make a contribution to WCF’s Foundation Fund which holistically supports our grant programs, nonprofit trainings/workshops, and WCF operations. WCF’s Board of Directors allocates funding each year toward our grant programs. WCF is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to Whidbey Island; all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Learn about different ways to make a charitable contribution here.