The Seattle Parks Department’s Meadowbrook Pool officially opened to the public on October 14, 1975 – 50 years ago today! SMA holds materials documenting the planning, construction, opening, and use of this important community resource since it first began serving the public and nearby Nathan Hale High School students a half-century ago.
The pool was one of several Seattle parks projects funded by the Forward Thrust bond measures passed by voters in 1968. Other indoor swimming pools funded by Forward Thrust during this time included Medgar Evars Pool, Helene Madison Pool, Queen Anne Pool, and Rainier Beach Pool.
Ground-breaking ceremonies were held on Friday, March 22, 1974. When the pool was completed a year and half later, it offered both students and the community a full-service facility prepared for both recreation and competitive sports, with amenities including competitive racing lanes and clocks, starting blocks, portable bleachers, lifeguard towers, training life jackets and innertubes, water polo and water basketball goals, and a water slide.
After opening to the public on October 14, the Meadowbrook Pool was officially dedicated a couple weeks later on October 28, 1975. According to a dedication program held in the archives, the ceremony was attended by representatives from Nathan Hale, community groups, and the Parks Department, and concluded with competitive and synchronized swimming demonstrations.
See some recently digitized photos below showing the newly completed pool. These and other Meadowbrook Pool photos are available to view and download from our Digital Collections site.
Seattle Parks and Recreation is planning a special celebration this weekend to celebrate Meadowbrook Pool’s 50th anniversary – check out this Parkways blog post to learn more!
