Politics & Government

Tentative Deal to Keep Mary Wayte Pool Open Another Decade

The Mercer Island School Board and local City Council agreed in principal on Oct. 27 to extending the life of the pool under a present agreement for up to 15 years.

Acknowledging and not swimming pools, Mercer Island's City Council and School Board gave preliminary approval to plans to keep the open for at least another decade — if not longer — at their Oct. 27 joint meeting at .

Superintendent Dr. Gary Plano introduced the framework of the proposal to keep the public pool operating for at least another 10 to 15 years by continuing the same arrangement the MISD has with pool operators Olympic Cascade Aquatics to keep running the pool on a longer-term contract. The OCA contract runs through 2012 and is subject to renewal. The school district is currently considering a proposal to rebuild four schools on other sites over the next decade and wants to maintain the pool as long as possible.

"It would be prudent move so long as the city will offer to provide a subsidy and help replace major operating systems," Plano said.

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Officials unanimously supported the proposal to draft a new agreement, which Mercer Island City Manager Rich Conrad said will be presented to the elected bodies early next year.

City Hall currently pays the MISD $125,000 per year in an interlocal agreement to block several hours a day for public use. The MISD owns the pool.

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The pool — to bring recreational amities to King County towns and cities — needs several expensive repairs to keep operating, including the replacement of the boiler and heating system, cracks and divots in the pool lining and reline pipes. The pool's drains and bathrooms are now compliant with federal law after recommended changes were made this summer.

"(The Operators) want to have long-term contract," Plano said. "Frankly, we're very pleased with the operation."


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