The smell of chlorine wafting in the air, salty skin, brightly colored towels, and the sound of happy splashing can only mean one thing: pool party.

Believe it or not, the area’s largest pool party takes place every summer right here in the ‘Couv. For the past 37 years, Lake Shore Athletic Club in Hazel Dell has scrubbed its pool deck, rolled out cotton candy machines, and prepped its massive outdoor pool and water slide for an invasion of local children totting goggles and sunscreen.

Splash Day originated in 1972 as an end of summer celebration for the neighborhood surrounding the club. Today, this annual pool party draws upwards of 500 children from throughout the Portland and Vancouver area. Ryan Goode, Lake Shore’s General Manager, attributes the event’s longevity to the uniqueness of the offering.

“There aren’t many places left where adults can compete in cannonball contests, or where three-year olds can bombard their parents with water balloons,” Goode said.

Goode is right. Due to rising insurance costs and fears over potential liability, local pools have removed diving boards. Many city-run pools have gone so far as to limit pool depth to less than four feet in order to restrict diving. Additionally, squeezing budgets have left many community pools to dry up in the summer heat.

Splash Day boasts a bounty of kid-friendly food and water games at little cost — just $5 for admission. Games include alligator races, diving for thousands of pennies, float races, water balloons, and, of course, the world famous Biggest Splash contest off Vancouver’s only springboard diving board. Goode’s personal favorite is the penny dive where lifeguards throw thousands of pennies into the pool. Children can keep as many pennies as they can find and bring up to the surface. “It’s hilarious to watch all the kids waiting around the outside of the pool for the start whistle. Once it blows, they go crazy,” reports Goode.
Lake Shore partners with local businesses that provide prizes for all participants. This year’s sponsors include Burgerville, Smokey’s Pizza, and many more. Even though purse strings have tightened in these economic times, Lake Shore’s partnerships remain strong.

“For the past three decades that we’ve held Splash Day, the economy has had its ups and downs,” says Goode. “Local businesses have always played a big role. They supply the prizes for most of the events, which is a great way to get their name in front of potential customers—especially families. If a kid wins a free sundae, he’s going to bring his entire family to the restaurant to redeem it.”

Hosting a pool party of this size doesn’t come without expense. Goode and his staff spend weeks preparing for the event. From contacting local businesses for prizes prior to the event to cooking hot dogs and filling water balloons just prior to the event — over 100 hours of prep time goes into pulling off the party. All hands are on deck the day of Splash Day which translates into additional staff cost, but Goode doesn’t dwell on the finances.

“Now, more than ever, we’re thrilled to continue the tradition as people look for events that are inexpensive and close to home,” he said.

Splash Day is open to the public for children ages three to twelve. This quintessential Vancouver happening will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 19. The $5 cost per child includes all the soda, cotton candy, snow cones, and hot dogs a little body can eat. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. and water events begin at 1 p.m. Children should come dressed in a swimsuit and bring a towel and sunscreen.

Ready to take the plunge? Visit www.lakeshoreac.com, or call 360-574-1991.

Kate Dyer-Seeley is a mom, a writer, a coffee junkie and avid reader. Her column appears every other issue in The Voice.