County’s new water park puts city pools to shame

Just four days after swimming in all six city of Spokane pools (I was worried they’d be closed by next summer due to budget woes) I read this newspaper headline: “County to open brand new pool.”

This Spokane-City dweller was instantly filled with Spokane-County envy. On Friday, opening day for the brand new pool, I did a tour of envy.

The tour began on North Division/Highway 395 near Wandermere Golf Course, way the heck out north. Some of you might remember the man-made lake that used to be at Wandermere. We’d swim all day in what was really just an oversized pond. I still miss it.

As I took a right off Highway 395 onto Hatch Road, I noticed new subdivision after new subdivision. All these homes mean more property tax revenues for the county. The county already has a $14.7 million budget reserve. Compare this with the city’s $3.2 million rainy-day fund and then remember that the rainy day is here; the city anticipates a $6 million budget shortfall.

In the backseat of my car rode Max, great-nephew and water dog. He is 6. Already in his short life, Max has spent much time in pools and water parks. He agreed to come along to critique the new pool.

Summer swimming opportunities for our children might not seem as pressing as other community needs, but I’m obsessed with municipal swimming, because summers can be a lonely time for kids here. Despite the 50-odd lakes that surround us, most kids don’t live in families who own lake places, nor are they lucky to be invited along with friends who do.

On some 90-degree August day, peek into a home without air conditioning and see the children sitting in front of TV reruns eating potato chips out of a plastic bowl, and you’ll see what I mean by lonely.

Max and I arrived at the new pool, called the North Side Aquatic Facility, two hours after its 11 a.m. opening. It cost $4 for me, $4 for Max. (Children 5 and younger pay $2.) There was only one unoccupied chaise lounge left. Yes, the pool has chaise lounges.

Doug Chase, the county parks director, said the chaise lounges encourage a family experience at the pool, rather than a drop- your-kids-at-the-pool-and-run experience. The pool also boasts tables and chairs shaded by awnings.

First, Max and I slid down the yellow water slide. Then, Max jumped off the diving board. Then, we dogpaddled together under water dumped from colorful buckets. Then, we hung out under the water-sprouting toys. Then, we took a break on the chaise lounge.

I asked Max his opinion, hoping he’d be a little negative. When you envied that popular kid in school, you liked it when someone pointed out the kid’s flaws. In his first-grade scrawl, Max printed in my notebook: “I think this the best water park ever.”

Sigh. In my six-swims report, I lacked space to write about the deplorable condition of the changing rooms at city pools. Some were scary enough to use in horror movies. The changing room at the county’s new pool has burgundy-painted lockers, just like those in a big-person pool club. Sigh.

But nothing’s perfect. Two women contacted me before my envy tour to complain that the new $2.4 million pool was built in a rich neighborhood, and they believe it costs too much for kids to swim there. Also, the name is kind of boring.

That might change. Chase said the county is open to changing the name to reflect a pool “sponsor” whose support would help maintain the facility. Not a bad idea.

Max and I ended this tour of envy at Costco on North Division. Costco resides in the county. The city is so envious of the Costco cash cow, there’s been talk of annexing it.

As Max chewed on a piece of pizza, I realized the city should make a deal. Assure the county, and Costco, that there will be no more annexation talk, but in return, the city needs one tiny favor.

If this favor is granted, Max and I will see you next summer at the grand opening of the city’s brand new aquatic facility, Costco Pool and Water Park. The potato chips will be on us.