Federal Way Aquatic Center Marks 35 Years
The facility continues to serve the community while preparing for upcoming modernizations supported by the county.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Swimming
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The Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way marked its 35th anniversary this week. Since opening to host the 1990 Goodwill Games, the facility has become a local staple for aquatic training and competition.
Why it matters
The center remains a cornerstone of the Federal Way community, having provided over one million swim lessons to the public. Ongoing investments through the King County Parks levy aim to modernize the facility to ensure its continued role in local and national sports.
Operational records confirm the facility has facilitated over 1,000,000 swim lessons over its 35-year history. While the center currently generates $7.5 million in annual revenue, the specific details of future modernization upgrades remain under investigation.
The players
Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center
A public facility in Federal Way managed by King County Parks that hosts major competitive swimming and diving events.
Mike Dunwiddie
The facility manager who was recently honored for his 35-year tenure overseeing operations at the aquatic center.
King County Parks
The administrative department responsible for the maintenance and funding of public recreational spaces and the aquatic center.
The details
Built to support the 1990 Goodwill Games, the facility features specialized infrastructure including windows beneath the pool surface and dedicated camera wells for television broadcasting. The King County Parks department manages the site, which also utilizes catwalks to support high-level event production. These design features have allowed the venue to host significant events like the NCAA National Championships and various Olympic trials.
Timeline
1990: The center opened to host the Goodwill Games.
2000: The facility hosted United States Olympic Team dive trials.
October 28, 2026: The aquatic center celebrated its 35th anniversary.
2027: An international swimming event is scheduled at the venue.
Health Landscape
The aquatic center represents a long-standing commitment to public water safety and athletic development in the region. Its evolution continues as part of the broader mandate of the King County Parks levy to update aging public recreational infrastructure.
The facility remains a key resource for residents seeking safe, structured environments for swimming and water-based physical activity. If you are looking to start a new fitness routine, consider contacting the center to explore their current offerings for swim lessons and open-pool access.
The takeaway
The center stands as a regional leader in supporting long-term physical health through accessible aquatic programming. Residents interested in aquatic fitness can maintain their health by establishing a consistent swim schedule, which is a low-impact way to improve cardiovascular conditioning.
What happens next
An international swimming event is scheduled to take place at the facility in 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about the role of water safety and competitive Swimming in our local area.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Snoqualmie Valley Record.
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