With the help of the mayor, parks and recreation commission members, city staff and over 150 swimmers and spectators, the Covington Aquatic Center celebrated its 35th anniversary in style on Saturday, March 3.

Covington Aquatic Center staff prepared a historical photo display with images from the aquatic  center’s beginning to present day and arranged a free public swim from 1-3 p.m., followed by birthday cake.

Aquatic Supervisor Ethan Newton welcomed the crowd and read a senatorial proclamation signed by  Sen. Joe Fain in honor of the Covington Aquatic Center’s milestone.

Mayor Margaret Harto gave a brief history and overview of the facility and its offerings and presented certificates of appreciation to several parks and recreation commission members.

The Covington Aquatic Center opened its doors to the public on March 3, 1977. Originally owned  and operated by King County, it was transferred to the city of Covington in 2004 and serves as one of the community’s only recreation facilities.

With a staff of 30, the Covington Aquatic Center serves over 80,000 water-lovers each year through  programs like the award-winning Aquatics Volunteer Academy, American Red Cross swimming lessons, annual events like April Pool’s Day and the Spooky Swim, and various water exercise classes, lap swims and more.

Over 4,000 American Red Cross swimming lessons are taught at the center each year as well.

The Covington Aquatic Center serves as home to the Kentlake High School swim and dive teams, the Tahoma High School swim and dive teams, Kentridge High School’s water polo teams, the King Aquatic Club Swim Team, and the Raise the Bar Triathlon Team.

The pool is used by the Tahoma School District, Kent School District, King County marine/dive unit, Kent Fire Department swift water rescue, local churches, scout groups, kayak groups, and more.

In 2006 and 2007, the city invested in improvements for the Covington Aquatic Center that have given the facility a much needed facelift and extended its lifespan so the community can continue to enjoy aquatic recreation. This project earned Covington Aquatic Center the 2008 Washington Recreation and Parks Association Spotlight Facility and Park Award.

The improvement project was extensive and included, among other upgrades, re-plastering and retiling of the pool, painting of the natatorium, installation of whale artwork, and replacement of underwater lights with energy efficient LED lights. Since the completion of that project, the city has continued making improvements including upgrading the HVAC system and re-tiling the public locker rooms.