PULLMAN — The Military Hill indoor pool in Pullman will reopen on Monday, October 30, 2023, under the new name of the Schweitzer Wellbeing Center. This transition follows the recent acquisition of the facility, formerly known as the Pullman Aquatic and Fitness Center, by Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL).
Located at 500 NW Greyhound Way, the indoor pool was previously owned by the Pullman School District and operated by the city of Pullman. The change in ownership was prompted by ongoing financial concerns regarding the facility’s maintenance. Last year, Edmund O. Schweitzer III, the founder of SEL, and his wife, Beatriz Schweitzer, proposed purchasing the aquatic center to ensure its continued operation.
Investment and Future Plans
In a bid to secure the pool’s future, SEL and the Schweitzers committed to a joint investment of $5 million. According to a December announcement from the Pullman School District, this funding is intended to “ensure the center remains open to the public.” Kristin Gehring, the operations manager for the SEL Family Center, emphasized that plans are underway to enhance the facility. “These improvements will include updates to enhance aesthetics, safety, and energy efficiency,” she stated in an email.
SEL has also announced intentions to expand the center’s hours and programming. Gehring mentioned that the updated hours are now available on the center’s website, swcpullman.com. Specific programming details are still being finalized, and the staff is eager to share further plans with the community.
Celebrating a Milestone
Originally opened 25 years ago, the aquatic center was made possible through a generous $2.5 million contribution from the Schweitzer family. To commemorate this milestone, the Schweitzer Wellbeing Center will offer new monthly memberships at a 25% discount for the first three months after joining. Day passes will also be available starting on the reopening day.
All membership information can be found at swcpullman.com. Gehring confirmed that the city did not sell memberships that extended beyond the end of 2025, and representatives from Pullman Parks & Recreation have been working with patrons to resolve any outstanding memberships.
Community members are encouraged to subscribe to the center’s mailing list or follow its social media pages to receive updates on facility upgrades, events, and programming announcements. For more information, individuals can reach Pearce at [email protected].
