2024 Annual Report: Building, Maintaining, and Preserving Community Assets - Mary Wayte Pool

Editor’s Note: This story appeared on Page 6 of the 2024 Mercer Island School District Annual Report which was delivered to all Mercer Island residents via regular mail on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. 

Mary Wayte Pool – A Vital Community Space for Mercer Island

The Mary Wayte Pool is more than just a place to swim—it's a symbol of community pride and partnership on Mercer Island. From the athletes who train there to the families who gather for lessons, recreation, and fitness, the pool touches the lives of all ages. Backed by a $2 million investment by Mercer Island School District through the community approved Capital and Technology Levy and a $2 million King County grant, Mary Wayte will receive its largest single investment since it opened in 1972. This capital renovation project will ensure Mary Wayte Pool can serve the community for another decade.

A Legacy of Excellence

Nestled just steps from Mercer Island High School (MIHS), the Mary Wayte Pool has been instrumental in shaping the success of MIHS’s swim and dive teams this fall. The girls’ team clinched their third consecutive 3A State Championship, while the boys’ team dominated the state scene with three consecutive titles, interrupted one year due to Covid, from 2020 to 2023. These achievements highlight the critical role the pool plays in fostering athletic talent and school spirit.

Rich History and Community Connection

Built in 1972 as part of King County’s Forward Thrust Bond initiative, the pool has evolved alongside the Mercer Island community. It was renamed in the early 1990s to honor MIHS alumna Mary Wayte, whose dazzling Olympic career—including two gold medals in Los Angeles (1984) and two additional medals in Seoul (1988)—brought national recognition to the island. Mary’s legacy continues to inspire local youth and cement the pool’s place in our island’s story.

Looking Ahead

In partnership with Olympic Cascade Aquatics (OCA) and the City of Mercer Island, Mercer Island School District is committed to operating this space where memories are made, champions trained, and community ties strengthened. As we look forward to the pool’s future, we invite everyone to celebrate its past, support its present, and share in the excitement of the incredible enhancements yet to come.

Nondiscrimination Notification

The Mercer Island School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, marital status, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

Contact these people regarding inquiries about nondiscrimination policies:

Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) Coordinator:
Erin Battersby, Executive Director 206-230-6227 erin.battersby@mercerislandschools.org

Title IX Compliance Coordinator:
Erin Battersby, Executive Director 206-230-6227 erin.battersby@mercerislandschools.org

Section 504 & ADA Coordinator:
Melissa Robertson, Special Services Director 206-236-3326 melissa.robertson@mercerislandschools.org

Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator:
Erin Battersby, Executive Director 206-230-6227 erin.battersby@mercerislandschools.org