LEVY BULLETIN

Rosalia Parks & Rec District #5 - Proposition No. 1 - Two Year Maintenance and Operations Levy (2027/2028)

The 2026 season for the Rosalia Pool is the “Rebuilding Year” for the facility, operations and building trust from local community members. The generous support by the community through small and large donations, swim admissions, local philanthropic organizations, and the financial support of an operations loan from Whitman County Commissioners, have all provided critical financial support for the pool facility, staffing, and operations. 

Why is this levy on the ballot again?

The proposed levy is for funding of the Rosalia Pool for operations for calendar years 2027 and 2028. In 2026, taxpayers overwhelmingly supported funding the pool for the 2026 season through a generous passing of the 2026 levy. That levy passed, and was then lost through a paperwork technicality with the County during the ratification process. This means, the approved 2026 levy WILL NOT be charged or collected from taxpayers; hence we did not have access to these approved funds. 

Should you invest in the future of this community resource?   

The Rosalia Pool is once again open, welcoming, clear, blue, and full of splashes and laughter! 

Our “Rebuilding Year” consists of; three new lifeguards (Rosalia youth), new equipment, updated and ongoing maintenance, and small capital improvements. For expansion goals; evaluate open hours weekly (based on community feedback and staffing levels).  Our goal is to provide as much access to the pool as possible through a variety of open swim times while adhering to Dept. of Health standards and RCW municipal pool rules.  We have a supervisor/pool manager on site during all open hours and a certified pool tech helping with maintenance of pool equipment and required chemicals.

We are thrilled with the progress made in the 2026 season and are excited that the community is actively enjoying this irreplaceable resource.  In the first 8 days of the 2026 season we have welcomed 134 swimmers to the pool. A few community members have even enjoyed some big splash cannon balls after a 30 year dry spell.  

The park board values the community's opinions and voices, and we are listening.  As we determine baselines for every aspect of operations; staffing to facility maintenance to chemical usage/costs to energy usage/costs, we also look at expansion of open times and services. 

Park Board meetings are open to the public and we welcome community presence, questions input, feedback, ideas etc.

Ryan Bothman, Board Vice Chair

RULES & REGULATIONS

General

• Adult Supervision: Children under 13 must never be in or near the pool without active, sober, adult (18+) supervision at all times

• No use of the pool while under the influence of alcohol or drugs

• No Running: Walk, don't run, to prevent slipping on wet surfaces

• No Diving in Shallow Water: Enter the water feet first unless in a designated deep, safe diving area

• No Glass: Absolutely no glass containers in the pool area to avoid broken glass in the water or on the deck

• No Breath-Holding: Prohibit games involving long breath-holding to prevent shallow water blackout

• No Roughhousing: No dunking, pushing, or dangerous horseplay

• Persons with seizures, heart, or circulatory problems should not swim alone

• Swim with a Buddy: Never swim without a lifeguard present

• Persons failing to follow posted rules are subject to removal from the premises

• No food or drink in or around the pool area

• No toys, inflatables, or items with sharp edges allowed in pool

Diving Board Rules

• You must pass a swim test before being allowed to dive

• No running dives

• One person at a time allowed on the diving board

• No cartwheels, handstands, or hanging off the diving board

• Divers must swim directly to the nearest ladder and leave the diving area

• No swimming or playing in diving area when diving boards are being used

• Only one bounce on the board is allowed before diving

• Wait until the previous diver has cleared the landing area before you dive

• Adjustments of the diving board fulcrum may only be made at the discretion of aquatic staff

• The pool manager may restrict certain dives based on safety concerns

Hygiene and Maintenance 

• Shower First: Take a shower before entering to remove lotions and oils

• Bathroom Breaks: Take regular breaks; do not use the pool as a toilet

• No Swimming if ill, have open wounds, diarrhea, etc.

• Use appropriate swim diapers with protective coverings for babies & toddlers 

• Diaper changing must be done in the designated changing areas found in the bathrooms, not on the pool deck

General Etiquette

• Clean Up: Remove your pool devices and other items after use

• Proper Swimwear: Wear appropriate swimsuits; no cotton, denim or non-swim attire

• Ask First: Always ask an adult before entering the pool