Willamalane Park Swim Center

Willamalane named finalist for 2026 national parks award Willamalane Park and Recreation District has been named a finalist for the 2026 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.

Willamalane has referred a measure to the May 19, 2026, ballot so voters can decide what they’d like to see from the district going forward. So, why now?
For many years, the district has maintained a balanced budget, with revenues outpacing expenses. However, in the last two budget years, the district’s expenses outpaced revenues. Contributing expenses include increased demand for services, facilities, and parks, rising costs of goods, services, and labor, limitations of current revenue streams, and impacts from the pandemic and the ice storm, which depleted reserve funds.
To address this gap in revenue and expenses, Willamalane reduced its annual budget by over $1 million in the last year. Since then, the district has also:
- Reorganized all staff to increase efficiency, including eliminating vacant administrative and leadership positions
- Discontinued some recreation programs
- Reduced budgets for materials and services

The proposed levy would help bridge funding gaps to preserve current levels of service. The district would continue to seek additional revenue strategies to support long-term sustainability and close budget gaps. For FAQs and more information, visit willamalane.org/levy

*Edit to add: Assessed value is different than market value. You can find your property's assessed value using the tool at willamalane.org/levy

Willamalane has referred a measure to the May 19, 2026, ballot. If passed, the measure would authorize a new property tax that would help pay for current park and recreation operations, including park safety, recreation programs, and wildfire prevention efforts. The proposed levy would help bridge funding gaps to preserve current levels of service. If not passed, programs and services would not be provided as proposed and property taxes would not be increased.

This is the first time the district has sought a local option levy to fund general operations since the district's permanent tax rate was established in 1997. For FAQs and more information, visit willamalane.org/levy

Many people have been asking about the swim test required to become a lifeguard. Since there's a Lifeguard and Instructor Hiring Event tonight, now is a great time to dive into the details!🛟🤿

For starters, you must be able to swim. It's preferred that you can swim more than 30-45 mph (to outpace the fastest hunting speed of a great white shark). This is especially necessary if you're hoping to be stationed at Splash!.

You also must be able to dive approximately 1,000-3,000 feet without needing to come up for air. You'll get hired on the spot if you can breathe underwater or if you can detect motion, pressure changes, and vibrations underwater using a lateral line system. Previous shark handling experience appreciated.

*Before you come for us, this is not AI. We have a very talented human graphic designer.

Bring non-perishable food items to the swim center this month! Check out a list of most commonly needed items at willamalane.org/food

The roof is sealed, and water is back in the pools at Willamalane Park Swim Center! The facility will reopen to the public on Monday, Oct. 27. Exterior roof work will continue while the pool is open.

Splash! is up next for annual maintenance. The facility will be closed from Oct. 27 to Nov. 16. During this closure, Willamalane Park Swim Center will offer recreation swims on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Find all the pool schedules and closure information at willamalane.org/alerts

UPDATE: Willamalane Park Swim Center will remain closed through Oct. 26. See the post below for details.

Throwback!

Pool Maintenance Update‼️
The annual maintenance closure at Willamalane Park Swim Center is extended until Oct. 5. See the new closure schedule below.

Willamalane planned a roof replacement during the annual closure, but inspections after work began uncovered additional damage that must be addressed. If necessary, dates may be extended due to unforeseen circumstances.

🆕New Pool Maintenance Schedule
- Willamalane Park Swim Center will be closed from Sept. 1 to Oct. 5. Splash! is offering extended hours for exercise-on-your-own time, lap lane availability, and some water fitness classes. View the updated pool schedule at willamalane.org/splash
- Splash will be closed from Oct. 6 to Oct. 26. During this closure, Willamalane Park Swim Center will offer extended hours and recreation swims.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as this essential work takes place. We know how important Willamalane Park Swim Center is to the community and the value this facility brings, which is why we want to ensure it remains safe and functional for years to come. We will provide updates as work continues.