After nearly two decades without a public pool in East Yakima, the City of Yakima
proudly celebrated the grand opening of the Aquatic Center at Martin Luther King Jr.
Park in June 2025—a vibrant facility shaped by years of grassroots advocacy and
public-private collaboration.

The site, formerly Washington Park, once hosted a beloved pool that closed in
2006 due to safety concerns. The dream to restore outdoor aquatic access began
in 2017 and culminated in a $13 million project supported by the City of Yakima,
Yakima County, the Washington State Legislature, and generous donors—including
$500,000 from OIC of Washington and $225,000 from the Yakima Valley Community
Foundation. Even local children contributed over $800 in spare change.

WTI and the prime Architecture partnered to bring the community’s vision to
life, designing a facility that blends recreation, safety, and innovation. The center
features two lifestyle pools, a 5,300-square-foot pool building, and attractions for
all ages. The larger 4,173-square-foot pool includes a zero-depth entry, volleyball
net, and activity tower with geysers, a waterfall and spray features. The second
3,832-square-foot pool offers two lap lanes, basketball hoops, a Ninja Climb, and
the exhilarating Aqua Zip’n rope swing—approved through a special variance. A slide
complex adds even more fun with a drop slide and two larger water slides.

Photography Credits: Patrick Martinez Photography