Yakima Hosts Historic District Swim Championships Highlighting Lions Pool

A big swim meet is set for Friday and Saturday at Yakima's Lion's Pool, an event that pool supporters say shows city officials the important role the pool plays in the community and the economy. Last year the Yakima City Council directed city staff to find funding solutions, aiming to keep the pool open until February of this year to allow swim teams to finish the season.

SWIMMERS FAMILIES OFFICIALS AND FRIENDS PARTICIPATING

The WIAA 2A District Swim Championships will be held from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm each day. The event will involve High school swim teams from across the region along with coaches, families and friends. According to Save Yakima’s Lions Pool Community Impact Group, it's the kind of event that needs to happen more often in Yakima.

THE ONLY INDOOR POOL FACILITY THAT CAN HANDLE THE CROWD

They say the pool is the only indoor facility in the region that can handle such a large event with room for teams, officials, and spectators all in one place.
Along with allowing local athletes to stay in Yakima and not travel, hosting the Swim Championships also draws big crowds to the valley which makes a significant impact on the local economy.

A BIG ECONOMIC IMPACT ON THE LOCAL ECONOMY

The athletes, officials, families and friends support local hotels, restaurants and small businesses in Yakima.
Group officials say if the city decides to close Lions Pool Yakima wouldn't be able to host such large swim championships.
Officials from Save Yakima’s Lions Pool Community Impact Group urge people to contact the Yakima Valley Sports Commission to learn more about the community and economic impact of large sporting events in the Yakima area.