Federal Way Aquatic Center Marks 35 Years of Operation

The Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way is turning 35 years old on Wednesday. The facility, which opened in 1990, is holding a special event to mark the milestone and acknowledge its role in the local swimming community.

King County Council member Pete von Reichbauer announced the celebration in a press release. He described the center as an international destination for competitive swimming, diving, and community recreation. Since its launch, the venue has hosted major competitions and served as a training ground for Olympians, national champions, and residents learning to swim.

The event will take place in the Aquatic Center’s Banquet Room at 650 SW Campus Drive. It is scheduled for 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28. The gathering aims to reflect on the facility’s impact on South King County over the past three and a half decades.

Organizers plan to honor the leadership of Mike Dunwiddie, the center’s founding director. The celebration will also recognize the staff members who have maintained the facility as a key location for sports and recreation in the region.

The Aquatic Center has remained a hub for athletes of various skill levels since it first opened its doors. The 35-year anniversary event serves as a formal recognition of that sustained presence and the people who have managed it.