Community pool party returns to Leavenworth for second year

LEAVENWORTH — Upper Valley Aquatics Boosters (UVAB) will host the second annual Summer Splash Bash at the Howard Hopkins Memorial Pool on August 23.

The community event will take place from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will have free food, activities, and information about the pool and swimming safety. The Summer Splash Bash is free to PRSA residents, which encompasses Leavenworth, a portion of Peshastin and Chumstick Highway. All ages are invited to attend.

Last year’s inaugural Summer Splash Bash was one of UVAB’s earliest initiatives to build community and strengthen support for the pool. The group formed last spring to build support and awareness for the pool, whose future hinged on the renewal of a Park and Recreation Service Area (PRSA) levy. After securing the levy, the group has shifted its focus to cultivating sustained support for the long-term viability of a community pool. It is currently working towards obtaining 501(c) nonprofit status, and continuing its successful Summer Splash Bash event.

This year’s event is sponsored by UVAB, the City of Leavenworth, and the Park and Recreation Service Area Board (PRSA), with additional support from München Haus, Waste Loop, and Thrivent. With the help of Waste Loop, the pool party will utilize compostable ware and utensils with separating disposal stations, making it a "Towards Zero Waste" event.

The organizers are currently seeking volunteers for grilling, food service, disposal station management, set-up, and clean-up. The volunteer schedule is broken up into two-hour time commitments. More information can be found at uvaboosters.com.