2019 marks a year of major progress towards having a community swim center on Lopez. To date, Friends of Lopez Island Pool has received donations, pledges and commitments of over $4.2 million from over 700 donors. This amazing generosity and spirit of commitment of our community was translated by our State representatives into a $1 million grant from the State’s capital budget. This brings the total State commitment to this community project to $1,675,000. In addition, a surprise $500K stock donation came in this year as well as a $100K pledge to establish a scholarship fund, ensuring equal access for low-income families with children. This pledge was the basis of the $100,000 Challenge in our year-end appeal that has had a terrific response – in fact we have already surpassed the Challenge!
FLIP is partnering with the Lopez Island School District and our neighbors to create a Group A water system that will integrate the FLIP well and those of the neighbors to ensure a safe, reliable water supply for all. State permit applications and system design plans are underway. Additionally, our neighbors have agreed to provide an easement for the water lines and the “Pool to School Trail” to be developed with the Lopez Community Trails Network. FLIP is working closely with the Fisherman Bay Sewer District Board to connect to their sewer system.
With the Swim Center planning and design completed, a general contractor hired and the building permit process underway, the pool project remains “shovel ready”. For the future, we will continue to focus on the five pillars of our fundraising strategy: community support, government support, grants, corporate sponsorships and leadership donors. This focus and your continued support bring us closer to the reality of a Lopez year-round swim center. We are ready to go!
We have a deep sense of gratitude to our community members who are such enthusiastic and dedicated supporters of the Swim Center. We couldn’t have done it without you! Thank you!
Imagine the Possibilities… For Safety. For Health. For Gatherings. For Lopez!
The FLIP Board
Lopez Island
