SENATE RESOLUTION
8612



By Senators Eide, Johnson, Fraser, Rockefeller, Regala and Rasmussen

     WHEREAS, Thanks to the tireless efforts of Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center Facility Manager Mike Dunwiddie, volunteer Stephen L. Freeborn, facility staff, volunteers, and sponsors, the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way, Washington, has become one of the nation's premier facilities of its kind; and
     WHEREAS, Since 1990, the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center has not only hosted world-class athletes from the Puget Sound region and around the world to compete, but has welcomed over 6.5 million visitors who have come to swim, practice, take a class, have a tour, or attend an event; and
     WHEREAS, The facility has also provided the venue for two segments for Bill Nye the Science Guy television show, a film documentary on underwater ballet, a Bon Marche' fashion show, and an America's Cup sponsored Indoor Sailing Championship, and has been used as a test site for a single-manned submersible ship; and
     WHEREAS, The Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center serves the local community by providing education in swimming and water safety, and promoting a healthy lifestyle through exercise and fitness; and
     WHEREAS, The Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center has generated eight million dollars per year for the region's economy; and
     WHEREAS, The Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center is home to over 16 clubs in the competition sports of swimming, diving, water polo, synchronized swimming, and masters swimming; and
     WHEREAS, The Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center has maintained one of the most active competition schedules of any aquatic center in the country, hosting more than 60 events a year, including the 1990 Goodwill Games, Olympic Trials, Disability Games, and numerous regional, national, and international competitions for athletes of all ages;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor and celebrate Mike Dunwiddie, Stephen L. Freeborn, and all the individuals who have made the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center a source of pride for King County and the Puget Sound region and recognize the efforts and dedication of all who have made the facility's numerous achievements possible; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Mike Dunwiddie, Steve Freeborn, and the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center.

I, Thomas Hoemann, Secretary of the Senate,
do hereby certify that this is a true and
correct copy of Senate Resolution 8612,
adopted by the Senate
March 8, 2005



THOMAS HOEMANN
Secretary of the Senate