Yakima names features of MLK Jr. Aquatic Center after donors; opening likely June 19

Yakima City Council on June 3 approved a resolution naming elements of the Martin Luther King Jr. Aquatic Center in recognition of donors who contributed more than $3 million toward the project.

Parks and Recreation Manager Ken Wilkinson presented the naming plan and said the community raised over $3,000,000 for the new facility. "One of the ways that we can acknowledge and recognize our donors is by placing their names on that," he said. Wilkinson listed named elements that include a community picnic area (Comprehensive Health Care), the waterslide tower (OIC of Washington), the entry lobby (Harvest Auto), an outdoor patio (Yakima Rotary patio), the community room (named for Estee Huey, donated by Yakima Neighborhood Health Services), a ninja course named for state Sen. Curtis King, and a vortex feature named for the Yakima Valley Community Foundation.

Wilkinson said donor plaques and a 'wave of gratitude' donor wall will appear in the lobby and a plaque listing youth fundraisers will be placed in the community room.

When asked about a ribbon‑cutting date, Wilkinson said the city hoped to hold the grand opening on June 19 (Juneteenth), but remained dependent on final electrical certifications from L&I. "We're close. There's water in the pool. It's being filtered, and it's moving," he told council.

Council voted 7–0 to adopt the naming resolution.

Why it matters: the donor recognition marks the end of a long fundraising effort, and the facility will provide recreation and aquatic programming in a neighborhood setting. The council and staff emphasized community fundraising, volunteer efforts and partnerships with nonprofit and business donors.

Implementation notes: staff continue final contractor closeout and certification work; city staff indicated lifeguard training and staff onboarding are under way in advance of opening.