Overview

In March 2024, the City Council directed staff to explore the possibility of a 2026 ballot measure to build, run, and maintain a new public indoor pool facility. The facility would be located a few blocks north of City Hall at 17828 Midvale Avenue N where there is currently a storage facility that is owned by the City. The City’s 2025-2026 Biennial Budget funds the exploration project and staff began the work in early 2025. This project builds on years of public input and previous efforts to build a new pool.

A 2019 Parks and Pool bond measure asked voters if they wanted to fund a new 75,000 square foot pool, recreation, and community center (see details below). The 2019 measure received a majority “Yes” vote (54%) but did not receive the required 60% “Yes” vote needed to pass a bond measure. Residents continue to express interest in a new pool that meets the community’s needs while not overburdening taxpayers.

The City is now exploring the possibility of a new pool-only facility that would be smaller in overall size than the facility proposed in 2019. The facility would include an 8-lane lap pool, a warmer water recreation pool, and additional features and amenities. The new facility would not include sport courts and other gym spaces. Spartan Recreation Center would continue to be the City’s primary recreation center, with its two gymnasiums, weight room, and several recreation multipurpose spaces.

To learn more about the background of this project, visit the Shoreline Pool Facility Exploration Project website.

Project Updates

• September-October 2025 Currents Article
• July-August 2025 Currents Article
• March-April 2025 Current Article

Concept Design and Preliminary Schematic Design Process

The City selected Miller Hayashi Architects and MJMA as design consultants to complete a concept design for a new approximately 48,000 square foot pool facility. The consultant team is working on a concept plan in 2025 and will begin the schematic design process in 2026. The goal is to get to approximately 10% of schematic design by March 2026. This work, including cost estimation, will inform Council's decision about whether to place a funding measure on the November 2026 ballot.

Community input from summer 2025 engagement and previous conversations about pool design in Shoreline were shared with consultants as part of their process. Community members are also invited to provide input at the November 13 design open house or online following the open house.

Shoreline Pool Design Open House: November 13

Thursday, November 13, 2025: 6:30 pm - 8:30pm at Shoreline City Hall Council Chambers (17500 Midvale Ave N)

Join us for an in-person pool design open house at City Hall. You can learn about the project, see a preliminary design, and understand the exploration process. Drop-in at any time - there is no formal presentation scheduled. Design consultants and City staff will have large prints of the design work to date and information about the project for you to review. Consultants and staff will be ready to answer your questions.

Can’t attend? The materials will also be available online starting on November 14.

Shoreline Pool Advisory Committee

The City Manager has appointed 17 community members to serve on the Pool Facility Advisory Committee (Pool Committee) from September 2025 through February 2026. The Pool Committee’s goal is to make a recommendation to the City Manager about aspects of a pool facility funding measure that could potentially be on the November 2026 ballot. The Pool Committee reflects the diversity of the Shoreline community, including both swimmers and non-swimmers.

The City Manager will review the Committee’s recommendation before providing an update to City Council in March 2026. City Council will decide whether to place a ballot measure to fund a pool facility on the November 2026 General Election ballot by August 2026.

Learn more about the Pool Committee process at shorelinewa.gov/poolfacility.