Cathlamet, WA — April 20, 2026
The Town of Cathlamet and the Citizen Pool Committee are seeking community volunteers to support pool operations for the upcoming summer season. With rising operating costs and limited resources, there is an urgent need for community support to sustain services and ensure continued operation in the coming years.
Background: The Cathlamet Pool is a long-standing community asset, originally constructed more than 50 years ago, with early efforts to secure funding dating back to the 1930s. For many years, the pool was primarily operated by volunteers, which helped keep costs low. In 2008, annual operating costs were approximately $60,000. Today, annual costs exceed $120,000, with staffing accounting for roughly half of total expenses, averaging approximately $130 per hour in operating costs. At the same time, annual revenue averages approximately $11,000.
Historically, Wahkiakum County contributed approximately $50,000 annually toward operations. Due to broader financial constraints at the local and state level, that contribution has been reduced to $25,000, so the Town has made the difficult decision to reduce operating hours and programming to help control costs this season. As currently planned, the pool would not open until noon, offering only open swim and swim lessons.
In response, the Citizen Pool Committee is organizing a volunteer effort to help restore morning operations and other pool activities, such as aerobics and lap swim. Without sufficient volunteer support, the pool will open no earlier than noon this season and activity classes will likely be limited to swim lessons only.
Volunteers can play a critical role in maintaining safe, accessible, and affordable programming for residents of all ages. Community members of all skill levels are encouraged to participate. In addition to volunteering, support is also welcomed through donations, sponsorships, and fundraising participation.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Lifeguard Training: Training will be offered at the Cathlamet Pool in May or early June. Certification costs will be covered by the Town upon request.
Tentative Volunteer Opportunities (Monday–Friday) – Otherwise CLOSED:
Additional Volunteer Opportunities:
Season Details:
Additional operational improvements are also underway, including efforts to improve overall on-site and guard management. A volunteer is developing a new pool website with online payment capabilities, and the Town is transitioning to a simplified admission fee structure for the season to improve usage tracking and inform future planning. In addition, an anonymous Cathlamet library donor will cover admission fees this season for children under 18 with an active Cathlamet library card in their own name (not a Family card).
Based on current financial projections, the Town anticipates that continued operation of the pool beyond the 2028 season may not be sustainable without improved financial conditions. The Town of Cathlamet has an annual general fund of approximately $500,000, while total service demands exceed available revenues, requiring the use of reserves to cover operating expenses—an approach that is not sustainable.
The Citizen Pool Committee emphasizes that early community action is essential to preserving this resource. Without increased support, difficult decisions regarding long-term closure will need to be considered in the coming years.
How to Get Involved: Interested individuals may complete the “Join A Committee” form at: www.townofcathlamet.com/citizen-committees-1
Volunteers will be contacted via email with additional details, including upcoming meeting dates.
The first pool cleanup day will be Saturday, April 25 from 1 to 4pm. Tasks include trimming blackberry bushes, cleaning the toddler pool area to reopen, and pressure washing. Tools will be provided, but please bring your own gardening gloves.
The Cathlamet Community Pool remains a valued public asset, but its continued operation depends on strong and sustained community support.
Town of Cathlamet & Citizen Pool Committee
