Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1542879
WINTER / SPRING 2026 9 first take first take pool reopening With the old windows weeping and some even cracked, the upgrade was critical to preserving and enhancing a space that has hosted everyone from Olympic gold medalists to thousands of swim-lesson students through the WAC's 95-year history. "It's beautiful," says member Alana Morris, who swims a mile in the pool three times weekly. is new era for Helene Madison Pool came about rather quickly when, THE WAC FOUNDATION As the WAC's charitable nonprofit, the Washington Athletic Club Foundation has raised more than $1 million since its inception just eight years ago in its ongoing mission to preserve and enhance the WAC Clubhouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As we approach our 100th birthday in 2030, the foundation will be increasing its fundraising for capital improvements. "This building is our home," WAC President & CEO Suzana Sakay says. "We have lots of things we want to do to enhance and improve the building and the experience inside. That's where members can really make a big difference, through their giving to the foundation." Learn more and donate at wac.net/foundation. last fall, 200 members gathered in the Crystal Ballroom and raised $175,000 for the WAC Foundation, the WAC's charitable nonprofit that helps caretake the Clubhouse. "With all of our historic places inside the Club, it's really about balancing preservation with modern- ization," WAC President & CEO Suzana Sakay says. "e WAC pool stands above, not just literally but also in terms of what it means to members now and what it has meant to so many through the last 95 years." at includes Bruce, who made the trip to the grand reopening from his home in Port Ludlow, where he recently uncovered an old box with many of his swimming ribbons. "e windows really do look great," Bruce says. "When I came here when I was 10, the pool really doesn't look all that different, except there's no diving boards." Members gathered for the grand reopening of the renovated pool in early January. WAC President & CEO Suzana Sakay and Chairman Arnie Willig cut the ceremonial ribbon as donors who helped fund the project enjoyed champagne. Member Bruce Johnston showed off some of his youth awards, and members of Seattle Synchro put on a show.