On Saturday, September 26, 2026, the Lopez Swim Center hosted "The Grand Splash," a celebratory evening created to show community appreciation, share stories, and offer free open swimming. Held under the enter's heated dome—kept at a tropical 80°F—the event embraced a "Tropical Pool Party" theme.
The evening focused on recognizing and thanking supporters and donors who helped turn the dream of year-round aquatic community hub into reality. Longtime board member Robin Bergstrom took the opportunity to express that "This is yours. You built this for this community."
More than 1,300 donors and countless volunteers were involved over the two decades it took to get the Swim Center launched. Some gave early on, when the Swim Center was little more than an idea. Others joined as the plans took shape. Hundreds gave again and again, helping the board meet rising costs, adapt as plans changed, and keep going through delays.
There were some sweet and emotional moments as people gathered around the donor recognition banner hung in the Community Room. Some found the names of family members whose gifts they hadn’t known about, while others read the tributes to friends and loved ones who had passed before the Swim Center opened. There were tears and so much gratitude.
Friends of Lopez Island Pool Founding Mother, Linda Barton, who worked for nearly 20 years to bring a swim center to Lopez, was honored posthumously with a tribute video premier of For the Love of Water, a short film about her perseverance and dedication to this project.
At the end of the evening, some guests enjoyed swimming in the warm waters of the pools.
Watch a video of the event here.