Next 50 Years: Expanding Aquatic Opportunities for Des Moines

Planning the Next 50 Years of Aquatics in Des Moines

As we celebrate five decades of service to our community, the Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District is not only honoring the past — we are actively planning for the next 50 years.

Since opening in 1975, the Mount Rainier Pool has been more than a building. It has been a place where children learned to swim, teens gained their first jobs, families gathered, seniors maintained mobility, and neighbors built lifelong connections. As Des Moines continues to grow and evolve, so must the aquatic facilities that serve it.

Our long-term planning effort is focused on:

  • Ensuring sustainable, modern aquatic facilities for future generations

  • Expanding water space to meet increasing demand

  • Improving ADA accessibility and inclusivity

  • Supporting youth workforce development and aquatic careers

  • Strengthening partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and regional agencies

  • Preserving affordable access to swimming for all residents

The next chapter of aquatics in Des Moines is about resilience, opportunity, and community investment. More information coming soon!

Celebrating 50 Years: Mount Rainier Pool (1975–2025)

On September 21, 2025, the Mount Rainier Pool proudly celebrated its 50th Anniversary, marking half a century of public service, water safety, and community connection.

The celebration honored:

  • Thousands of swim lesson graduates

  • Over 120+ youth trained and mentored into aquatic careers

  • Generations of families who have relied on the pool

  • Lifeguards, instructors, and staff who made it all possible

  • Community partners and leaders who sustained the facility

The 50th Anniversary was not just a look back — it was a launch forward.

50th Anniversary Event Video

Click here to view video of the event.

Relive the celebration, hear community stories, and see the vision for the future.

News Coverage (Coming Soon)

Local media, community partners, and regional stakeholders joined us in recognizing the impact of the Mount Rainier Pool. Coverage highlighted:

  • Workforce development success stories

  • The importance of public aquatic access

  • Planning efforts for expanded facilities

  • Community testimonials

Historical Photos & Documents Archive (Coming Soon)

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We are building a digital archive to preserve the history of the Mount Rainier Pool, including:

  • Original construction photos (1975)

  • Early swim team and lesson programs

  • Forward Thrust era documentation

  • Historical board materials

  • Community event photographs

  • Renovation and capital improvement milestones

If you have photos or documents to contribute, please contact us.

The Mount Rainier Pool Today

The Mount Rainier Pool has been a cornerstone of our community since it was built in 1975, and demand for aquatics programs is higher than ever. However, the pool’s limited water space and aging systems are no longer sufficient to meet the growing needs of Des Moines residents, surrounding communities, or high school and youth sports programs.

In 2023, the Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District completed an aquatic feasibility study revealing the urgent need for repairs, ADA upgrades, and additional water space. Unfortunately, the current location of the Mount Rainier Pool cannot support the necessary expansions.

In response, the pool district is actively exploring potential partnerships to create additional pool facilities for Des Moines residents. These facilities aim to provide enhanced services, including:

  • Swim lessons

  • Water exercise

  • Water therapy

  • Aquatic sports

  • Workforce training

  • Lifelong swimming opportunities for everyone

All services are offered from the same pool from 1975 when Des Moines Population was 1/9 of what it is today!

2023 Aquatic Feasibility Study/Conditions Assessment

In 2021, the Des Moines Pool MPD engaged Stemper Architecture to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Mount Rainier Pool, funded by a grant from King County Parks. Chosen for their expertise in Forward Thrust Pools and ADA planning, Stemper Architecture delivered their findings to the Board of Commissioners in November 2023.

The study highlights critical improvements needed to ensure the pool can continue to serve our community effectively.

To view the full feasibility study, please click here.

Get Involved

Do you belong to an organization that can help or partner with us?

SUBMIT INFORMATION – Coming Soon

JOIN our Community Committee

Help advise the Board on this important capital facility project – Coming Soon