About Your Swim Center
More than two decades ago, a swim center on Lopez was just an idea. Today, with more than 1,300 donors, volunteers, and supporters, that vision has become a reality. Turn down Pool Lane, off Center Road, and you'll find two pools at two temperatures: a 25-yard, four-lane lap pool and a 24-by-38-foot warm-water wellness and teaching pool—built by a community that believed Lopez deserved a place to swim, learn, heal, and connect.
We say “pool,” but this Swim Center is much more than just two pools. It's about the possibilities it creates. The Lopez Swim Center is a year-round place where people of all ages can learn, exercise, recover, connect, and have fun together. It's where children gain confidence in the water, neighbors cross paths, friendships grow, and memories are made.
The Swim Center offers lap swimming and recreational swimming for every age and stage of life. As the Swim Center grows, the goal is to offer programming for all skill levels, from nonswimmers to seasoned swimmers.
As a member-supported nonprofit, the Swim Center is funded through memberships and philanthropic support. Revenue from this and from future programs, classes, and community events will help ensure the Center remains a vibrant resource for generations.
Community
The Lopez Swim Center is a place to connect: not just in the water, but with one another. From families and friends to newcomers and longtime islanders, the Swim Center creates opportunities to gather, build relationships, and strengthen community year-round.
The Swim Center is committed to making membership accessible to full-time Lopez Island residents. Financial assistance is available for qualifying residents who need support.
Wellness & Fitness
Whether you're swimming laps, recovering from an injury, or simply looking for a low-impact way to stay active, the Swim Center offers something for every age and ability.
Warm water, cooler water, and open swim opportunities provide options for fitness, rehabilitation, stress relief, and lifelong wellness.
Water Safety
Living on an island means water safety isn't optional—it's essential. The Swim Center helps children and adults develop the skills and confidence to enjoy the water safely.
The Swim Center supports a lifetime of learning in and around the water.
Mission
The Lopez Swim Center's mission, driven by Friends of Lopez Island Pool (FLIP), is to bring greater health, water safety, and community to the people of San Juan County. This includes providing opportunities for recreation, exercise, water therapy, and learning life-saving skills, as well as creating an all-ages, accessible place on the island.
Our Story
Founded by a group of committed Lopezians, the Swim Center has been in the making for more than two decades. What began as a conversation among neighbors grew into a full-fledged community movement — one built on volunteer energy, grassroots fundraising, and an unshakeable conviction that Lopez Island deserved a place for folks to swim, learn, and stay safe in the water.
The road was long, but the destination was always worth it. Welcome to the Lopez Swim Center.
Project Partnerships
Together, we are stronger. We’ve formed partnerships with local organizations to support county-wide programming needs. Several have signed a Memorandum of Understanding and provided letters of intent showing their alliance with the Lopez Swim Center / FLIP and our shared vision.
Lopez Island Fire & Rescue
Enhanced public safety is now within reach at the pool. The pools will provide valuable training grounds for first responders and other emergency personnel to learn essential water safety instruction and practice water-rescue skills.
On an island, having a water-competent emergency staff is essential.
Lopez Island Physical Therapy
New options for healing on the island will unfold as a result of this partnership.
LIPT plans to offer vital water-based therapy, recuperation services, and accessible aquatic exercise options for all ages, fostering long-term well-being for our islanders.
Lopez Island School District
The pool and the school, together at last.
One of our proudest accomplishments is linking the Swim Center with the Lopez Island School (literally, with a School-to-Pool trail) to provide physical education classes, swim team organization, and a community gathering place, especially for at-risk youth. Because we believe every child deserves to have the confidence and self-esteem swimming helps build.
Lopez Island Family Resource Center
Lopezians will find a new communal hub at the pool. Besides providing accessible swimming instruction and community activities for all ages, the Center will offer a secure, welcoming environment for island residents, reinforcing community ties and advancing collective well-being.
Your Team
Board Members
Committees & Advisors
Project Committee
- Kristen Betty
- Merv Coover
Jim Falconer - Tom Froning
- Bill LeDrew
- Anne Marie MacPherson
- Eric Meng
Fundraising Committee
- Linda Barton, In memoriam
- Inez Black
- Mary Ann Cameron
- Christine Kerlin
- Anne Marie MacPherson
- Micki Ryan
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Community Outreach
- Kevin Berger
- Melissa Bennett
- Robin Bergstrom
- Lisa DiGiorgio
- Elizabeth Halsey
- Dave O’Hare
Amy Wynn
Operations Committee
- Lance Anderson
- Robin Bergstrom
- Jim Ghiglione
- Paul Henriksen, Lifeguard Recruitment
- Stu Isaac
- Bob Seidel, Special Projects
- Kathryn Tucker, Lifeguard Recruitment
Amy Wynn
Finance Committee
- Tom DiGiorgio, Treasurer
- Robert Sovinsky
Kim Herrenkohl, Retired CPA, Special Projects - T
Family Advisory Group
- Lance Anderson
- Katy Hill
- Amanda Hayes
- Samantha Olson
-
Advisors
- Larry Berg, LISD Coach
- Carey Chenoweth
- Bill Clemens, Technology
- Ann Goss
- George Leboutillier
- Asha Lela
- Carolyn McGown
- Brian Silverstein
- Anne Trench
Get Involved
Want to volunteer? Looking to lifeguard? Contact us.
