YOUTH SWIM FREE!

Extended to August 3rd!

Thanks to Des Moines Legacy Foundation...

Dear Families,

GREAT NEWS! Thanks to a generous $2,500 grant extension from the Des Moines Legacy Foundation, the Mount Rainier Pool will be able to continue offering free swim admissions for youth through Saturday, August 3rd. This extension ensures that more families can take advantage of the pool’s safe, welcoming environment during the final weeks of summer, reducing financial barriers and supporting water safety for youth in our community.

The original grant program, made possible by partnerships with King County and other civic leaders, has already allowed thousands of local children to enjoy recreational swim time, build confidence in the water, and stay active. With this extension, the Mount Rainier Pool reaffirms its commitment to equitable access and community well-being.

MORE INFORMATION

• Swim with Your Kids!: Check out our affordable rates for all ages. Children 3 and under are free! Click here for more information.
• Schedule: Click here to see our available family, lap and open swim times.
• Register Online: Click here to view our registration portal. (Now with Google Translate.)

EXTENSION OF GRANT FOR FREE YOUTH SWIM ADMISSIONS

A big thank you to the Des Moines Legacy Foundation continuing the grant for another couple of weeks. Below is more about their foundation.

WHY THIS GRANT MATTERS

This grant allowed youth in King County utilize the pool for free, which benefits the community by:

​​​​​​1. Increased Water Safety

• Early swim exposure reduces drowning risk, especially for children in low-income and underserved households.

• More youth gained access to essential water safety education, aligning with national best practices and public health goals.

2. Improved Health & Fitness

• Swimming promotes cardiovascular health, flexibility, and muscle development.

• Encouraged active lifestyles during out-of-school hours, reducing screen time and sedentary behavior.

3. Equity in Access

• Removed financial barriers for families that might not otherwise afford pool access.

• Supported social equity and inclusion, especially for BIPOC, immigrant, and low-income communities.

4. Youth Development & Engagement

• Gave kids a safe, supervised space to socialize and build confidence.

• May have encouraged older youth to explore swim lessons, water safety programs, or lifeguard certification — helping develop future job skills.

5. Family Engagement & Community Building

• Families may have come together at the pool, reinforcing it as a trusted “third place” in the community.

• Increased awareness of other programs and services the pool offers.

This grant-supported program exemplifies how public investment and community partnerships can create ripple effects far beyond the pool deck. By giving youth safe, equitable access to swim opportunities, we not only build critical water safety skills but also provide a constructive outlet that helps reduce risks associated with drowning, disengagement, and even youth crime. These programs contribute to a safer, healthier, and more connected community—especially for families who face systemic barriers. Moving forward, strong collaboration between public agencies, schools, and civic groups will be essential to sustaining and expanding the impact of this initiative, ensuring every child has the chance to thrive in and around the water.

MORE ABOUT THE DES MOINES LEGACY FOUNDATION

The Des Moines Legacy Foundation is dedicated to our Mission to cultural equity in the Des Moines community. We hope you will join us as we work to reinvigorate the quality of life for our citizens and to create a robust business atmosphere for our community.