Bellingham announces a change in the free shower program at Arne Hanna public pool
A free pandemic-era shower program for homeless people will end next week at Bellingham’s public pool.
Arne Hanna Aquatic Center is closing for planned maintenance July 29 and the free showers won’t resume when the pool opens Aug. 20, said Nicole Oliver, director of the Parks and Recreation Department.
“Mayor Seth Fleetwood has prioritized ending the shower program at the aquatic center and identifying alternative free shower facilities,” Oliver said in an email to pool users obtained by The Bellingham Herald.
Showers are available at the Base Camp shelter and at a trailer operated by Lighthouse Mission Ministries at the Salvation Army, 1515 Birchwood Ave, as reported this week by The Herald.
“All users will be welcome to pay to use (Arne Hanna) for a variety of aquatic programs, but free showers will no longer be available” after July 29, Oliver said in her email.
“This service was initiated during the COVID-19 emergency and has served an important need in our community. We appreciate the patience and compassion our aquatic center staff and all users have shown while providing this service,” she said.
Recent illegal drug use, including an apparent overdose death, had caused concern among pool patrons and staff, Oliver said.
“Our intention with these changes is to support our community’s aquatic recreation needs, address public health and safety concerns, and continue our city’s compassionate response to people with basic hygiene needs in a community where few such services are currently available,” Oliver said.
This story was originally published July 21, 2023 at 9:26 AM.
