History of George Prout Pool
1949 – The Vision
The City’s first-ever council took office this year and elected Mayor, John S. Crowder. The construction of an adequate public swimming pool was one of the council’s first four major objectives. The other three objectives were to establish an adequate library, find a location for the proposed new Columbia River Bridge, and refine the first community council charter.
1951 – The Operation & Naming
In July, the operation of the new swimming pool began. It was started as a community effort and was completed by the Atomic Energy Commission. It was first leased to the Richland School District and was referred to as the Richland Swimming Pool. In February 20, 1961, the City retained ownership and officially named it the George R. Prout Swimming Pool in honor of the former Vice President of the General Electric Company and General Manager of Hanford Atomic Products Operation during the years of 1949 and 1952. Mr. Prout was a former petroleum expert and engaged in General Electric’s work in nucleonics and atomic energy since 1948. He passed away in Schenectady on March 8, 1953, at the young age of 53.
1979 - Renovation Approved
In 1979, voters approved a 1.6 million bond issue to renovate the George Prout Pool. It was in need of complete renovation due to high maintenance and continued water loss.
2002 - Pool Resurfacing
2018 - The pool was re-tiled and re-plastered at an estimated $200,000, also repaired were the voids discovered under the popular 25-meter pool and diving facility.
The City’s first-ever council took office this year and elected Mayor, John S. Crowder. The construction of an adequate public swimming pool was one of the council’s first four major objectives. The other three objectives were to establish an adequate library, find a location for the proposed new Columbia River Bridge, and refine the first community council charter.
1951 – The Operation & Naming
In July, the operation of the new swimming pool began. It was started as a community effort and was completed by the Atomic Energy Commission. It was first leased to the Richland School District and was referred to as the Richland Swimming Pool. In February 20, 1961, the City retained ownership and officially named it the George R. Prout Swimming Pool in honor of the former Vice President of the General Electric Company and General Manager of Hanford Atomic Products Operation during the years of 1949 and 1952. Mr. Prout was a former petroleum expert and engaged in General Electric’s work in nucleonics and atomic energy since 1948. He passed away in Schenectady on March 8, 1953, at the young age of 53.
1979 - Renovation Approved
In 1979, voters approved a 1.6 million bond issue to renovate the George Prout Pool. It was in need of complete renovation due to high maintenance and continued water loss.
2002 - Pool Resurfacing
2018 - The pool was re-tiled and re-plastered at an estimated $200,000, also repaired were the voids discovered under the popular 25-meter pool and diving facility.