A petition calling for a bigger, more versatile pool at Green Lake is gaining traction among neighbors who say the city’s once-in-a-generation chance to rebuild the facility shouldn’t result in more of the same.
For Fremont residents, the stakes are particularly high. The neighborhood lacks its own community center and pool, making the Green Lake Aquatic Facility the closest public pool option. After 70 years of service, it’s getting replaced, but current plans call for rebuilding the same six-lane, 25-yard pool that’s there now, according to community advocates pushing for change.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to do better,” the petition states, noting that Seattle’s population has grown 58% since the 1950s while the city has added only one new public pool in nearly 50 years.
The petition asks the city to build an eight-lane or 50-meter pool that could accommodate multiple programs, from competitive swimming to water safety classes to recreational use.
Seattle Parks and Recreation has budgeted $61 million for the new aquatic center and play area, with an additional $24.7 million proposed for community center improvements. The project is currently in the planning and conceptual design phase, with construction slated for 2028-29.
Community members can weigh in by signing the petition at change.org/p/expand-and-enhance-the-green-lake-pool-rebuild and by contacting Mayor Kate Wilson and city councilmembers.
More community meetings on the project are scheduled for spring and summer 2026. Details are available at https://engageseattleparks.com/glcc-and-pool-rebuild.
Leave a Reply