Tenino Quarry Pool re-opens this Saturday with live music, activities

Tenino is re-opening its historic Quarry Pool this Saturday, June 22, with a day of live music and several family activities.

The pool closed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“This is the only public pool in south Thurston County," Tenino's Clerk Treasurer Jen Scharber told The JOLT.  The shallow side of the pool developed a leak and was losing water in recent years, she explained, adding, "we’ve renovated it to split it into two areas – a splash area and a kiddie pool – both with ADA accessibility."

Grant funding from the county’s community development block grant program allowed the city to construct a new wading pool for kids and a splash pad with several spray features. 

To celebrate its reopening, a family event will run from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Noon. 

The event will feature the two bands, Guava Jam, starting at 11:30 a.m., and Backfire, a Jimmy-Buffet tribute band, starting at 2:30 p.m., as well as comedian Alex Zerbe at 1 p.m. A bounce house, a petting zoo, and ponies for riding are also available for families to enjoy. The quarry pool will shut down at 7 p.m. 

Entrance to the pool will be free due to a donation from the Tenino Splash Bash Committee, a group of volunteers who support the quarry.

After the re-opening day, the admission fee will be $4 for residents within the Tenino School District and $6 for those living outside.

Those looking to visit the pool often may also consider buying a season pass.

The city stated that the Tenino Quarry Pool was a former sandstone quarry in the late 1800s owned by the Tenino Stone Company. After the company closed in 1918, the quarry was filled with water, which unintentionally attracted those looking to take a swim.

Tenino purchased the property in 1946, constructed improvements, and formally dedicated the facility in 1950 as a memorial pool in remembrance of World War II soldiers.