Leavenworth community pool advocacy group moves toward nonprofit status

LEAVENWORTH – When the Park and Recreation Service Area (PRSA) levy was up for renewal last August, the community pool, which relies on the levy for half of its operational budget, was met with its own mortality. 

The threat of closure encouraged a handful of pool users to form a grassroots group called the Upper Valley Aquatics Boosters (UVAB) to advocate for the renewal, which ultimately passed. In the months leading up to the vote, the group passed out flyers, attended community engagement nights, and hosted a “Splash Bash” at the pool.

Riding on the wave of its success, the group is now working to establish itself as a nonprofit, beginning with the formation of a board of directors. During an April 2 meeting, Brian Decker, Nichol Graham-Mathers, Mara Merritt, Ann Murray, Kurt Peterson, and Jenna Swalin were nominated for the board. The nominees will be voted on by members of the public through an online election ballot.

“In order for us to achieve some of the goals that we need to get to…We've got to be a fully formed entity, and that really starts with creating some governance and accountability,” said UVAB member Kurt Peterson.

As a nonprofit, the group would advocate for community interests, seek out funding, and strategically plan for long-term goals. So far, the group has gauged the community’s priorities through an online survey, which included developing pool programming and activities, expanding hours, and adding shady areas.

UVAB plans to support the pool as it stands in the short-term, but also look towards the long-term goal of securing a year-round pool. In past meetings, the group has considered forming two committees, in which one group is able to focus on the former, and the other, on the latter. 

“People could sort of choose what they feel most passionate about,” said Merritt, in discussion about the idea.

Once it develops a board, UVAB will be able to decide on what type of structure will meet its goals. Community members can vote for nominees by following this link: https://bit.ly/UVABboard. The group plans to have its first board meeting at 5 p.m. on April 23 at the Leavenworth Firehall, located at 228 Chumstick Highway. The meeting is open to the public.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media