YAKIMA, Wash.-A groundbreaking for the new Aquatic Center at MLK, Jr. Park is planned for Wednesday, May 8.
The 1 p.m. groundbreaking at 610 S. Ninth Street will mark the start of construction on the estimated $11 million aquatic center.
“An aquatic center for MLK Jr. Park is the realization of a vision years in the making,” said Ken Wilkinson, Yakima Parks and Recreation Manager.
A community-based committee formed in the summer of 2023 to generate $3 million from private donors to build the aquatic center following the closure of a pool in MLK, Jr. Park in 2006, according to the City of Yakima.
All donations are being made to the Yakima Valley Community Foundation.
OIC of Washington donated $250,000 to the project and YVCF has pledged $225,000, while Yakima County and the City of Yakima have each committed $3 million.
Community fundraisers were also held and donations can still be made to the YVCF.
“This is a remarkable achievement by the community,” said Wilkinson.