Friends of Lopez Island Pool - FLIP

You Can MAKE A SPLASH this Spring! 

BIG NEWS: The Pools have arrived (and are in storage on Pool Lane) and the permits are in! 

While we are awaiting ground-breaking, FLIP has been adding to its wish list of fabulous equipment to boost the Swim Center's FUN FACTOR for all. (And we when say, "all," we mean it—scholarships and discounted memberships will help ensure that all Lopez residents who want to join the Swim Center, can!)

This spring's GIVEBIG and Give Lopez fundraisers are all about having a good time in the water while you’re getting your fitness on. Pool log-rolling, a pool climbing wall, pool pickleball sets, and an inflatable, floating obstacle course top our list to add some pizazz to the pool’s programming. Offering a variety of recreational and fitness opportunities will give swimmers and non-swimmers the opportunity to spice up a workout routine, find some new muscles, and have fun with friends. 

So come put the FUN back into FUNdraising, and help us get into the swim of things! Our spring GiveBIG goal is to raise $20,000—jump in and join us! (Anything over that amount will be routed toward the capital construction campaign to help close the gap and get building!)

Vision & Mission of the Lopez Swim Center

Our vision is to have a safe place for our children to learn to swim; for all ages to have an accessible pool for recreation, exercise, and water therapy; and for San Juan County to have a healthier and more connected community.   Our mission is to bring greater health, water safety, and community to the people of San Juan County by building and operating a sustainable, low-maintenance Swim Center that will serve the community for generations to come.

Description 

The Swim Center will be a year-round, all-ages facility available to both full- and part-time San Juan County residents and visitors. 

Get ready to dive in! Your support means that families, seniors, kids, and all San Juan County residents will have an all-seasons place to exercise and socialize. Located on Lopez Island, the Swim Center will be built on a 2.5-acre parcel within walking distance (3 minutes) of the Lopez Island K-12 public school. Further, Lopez Island proves to be the easiest ferry access coming to and from the other islands. 

The Swim Center will have two pools: a warm-water 25-by-38-foot wellness pool for aquatic therapy; learn-to-swim and water safety classes; and water exercise; and a 25-yard, four-lane lap pool for family recreation and fitness classes; kayak and scuba lessons; lifeguard training; water rescue and safety instruction; competitive school aquatic sports; and rental for private gatherings (e.g., kids' birthdays and other celebrations). Both pools will be accessible for people of limited physical abilities. 

Community Benefits 

SAFETY: The greatest benefit of a community pool located in our County is safety, particularly for children. The San Juan Islands are surrounded by water, but that doesn’t mean the population has experience in the water. In fact, only 8% of elementary students on Lopez could pass a basic Red Cross swim test in 2018. The Red Cross considers a community in “crisis” if fewer than 39% can pass a basic swim test. The Lopez Fire District will use the pool for monthly training, earning certification in water-rescue training. 

ACCESS: Lopez families who want their kids to learn to swim must endure an expensive and time-consuming round-trip by ferry to get them to classes. Most island families simply cannot afford the time nor the expense to make this trip. Having a local, accessible pool eliminates this barrier for families who need to learn water safety and swimming skills.

WELLNESS & MOBILITY: A community pool fulfills many public health goals. For those injured, recovering from surgery, or disabled, a  swim center provides access to the warm-water therapy and no- or low-impact exercise this population will benefit greatly from. 

Join Us! FLIP Fans & Supporters

FLIP has built a tremendous amount of community support, and garnered an impressive and diverse portfolio of resources devoted to the Lopez Swim Center’s Capital Campaign. The project is endorsed by the County Council, the three School District Superintendents (Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Island), and the San Juan County Sheriff and Lopez Fire District. Several other local social service organizations have issued memoranda of understanding in support of the project. 

"There are few moments when we can make an investment with potential to transform a community. This pool is one of those rare moments. [The pool is] an asset that we'll look back upon 20, 30, or 50 years from now and realize the profound impact on generations."  

FLIP is grateful to its more than 1,300 donors for their continued donations and support. FLIP is also particularly thankful for the momentum and excitement behind this project.