George Prout Pool
Pool Location, Schedule, Fees, Rules and History
George Prout Pool includes an 1,100 square-foot wading pool (6 inches to 30 inches deep) and a 4,625 square-foot, 25-yard pool (3.5 feet to 12 feet deep). We offer everything from swim lessons to open swim, lap swim and pool rentals.
*Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Location
- George Prout Pool
- 1005 Swift Blvd.
- Richland, WA 99352
- 509-942-7529
Fees for Open Swim:
| Children 3-6 | $1.25 |
| Youth 7-17 | $2.50 |
| Adult 18+ | $3.50 |
Fee for Lap Swim:
|
Mon-Sat |
$1.25 |
George Prout Pool Rules
- No running or horseplay.
- Patrons shall not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Patrons with communicable diseases or those that have been ill with vomiting or had diarrhea the last two weeks are prohibited from pool use.
- Food and drink shall not be allowed in the pool water.
- All patrons must have a cleansing shower before entering the pool water.
- All patrons requiring diapers must be changed in designated area and wear protective covering to prevent pool contamination.
- Patrons with seizures, hear, or circulatory problems should swim with a buddy.
- Proper swim attire is required.
- Any patrons refusing to obey the pool rules shall be subject to dismissal from the premises.
- Additional detailed behavior guidelines are available from pool manager by request.
- Per Washington Administrative Code 246-260-131
History
1949 – The Vision
The City’s first-ever council took office this year and elected Mayor, John S. Crowder. The construction of an adequate public swimming pool was one of the council’s first four major objectives. The other three objectives were to establish an adequate library, find a location for the proposed new Columbia River Bridge, and refine the first community council charter.
1951 – The Operation & Naming
In July, the operation of the new swimming pool began. It was started as a community effort and was completed by the Atomic Energy Commission. It was first leased to the Richland School District and was referred to as the Richland Swimming Pool. In February 20, 1961, the City retained ownership and officially named it the George R. Prout Swimming Pool in honor of the former Vice President of the General Electric Company and General Manager of Hanford Atomic Products Operation during the years of 1949 and 1952. Mr. Prout was a former petroleum expert and engaged in General Electric’s work in nucleonics and atomic energy since 1948. He passed away in Schenectady on March 8, 1953, at the young age of 53.
1979 - Renovation Approved
In 1979, voters approved a 1.6 million bond issue to renovate the George Prout Pool. It was in need of complete renovation due to high maintenance and continued water loss.
2002 - Pool Resurfacing
2018 - The pool was re-tiled and re-plastered at an estimated $200,000, also repaired were the voids discovered under the popular 25-meter pool and diving facility.