CHENEY, Wash. – The new Cheney Aquatic Center is almost ready to open, promising a bigger and better experience for the community. Located at the site of the old community pool, the center has been in the works for nearly 20 months.
Eileen Mager and her kids, Kai and Emma, are among the locals eagerly awaiting the opening. “We’re just really anxious and ready for it to be open,” Mager said. They spotted the construction progress while biking near 8th and Cedar.
The anticipation is palpable, especially after seeing the water being filled. “We’re seeing that the other one is still empty so we’re crossing our fingers we’re hoping that it’s going to open by the end of the month,” Mager added.
Dan Curley, the capital project manager for the aquatic center, explained that the opening date is still uncertain. “I know with that excitement people are very eager. We haven’t had a pool open here in the city for like four years and so they’re chomping at the bit to get it open and so are we,” he said.
Despite the uncertainty, Curley is confident about the center’s future impact. “So, we think this is going to be like kind of the hub of the city very soon here,” he stated. The pool is expected to attract nearly 1,000 visitors daily, with half coming from outside Cheney, boosting local tourism and economy.
The project is progressing rapidly. “Seeing it just come together is really magical to see we’re so close and everybody’s visions are coming to reality,” Curley added.
Kai and Emma are excited about spending their summer at the pool, frequently checking the progress. “Every recess, sometimes me and my friends go over to the gate and look at it while they’re building it,” said Kai.
They are particularly excited about the climbing wall and waterslides. Curley encourages residents to keep an eye on the city of Cheney’s page for updates on the opening date.
