Community Center Hours: Week Days From 8:00am – 7:30pm & Weekends From 8:00am – 7:30pm w/ Sudden Valley Access Card
Please Note: With Access Card, you can still come in from 5am-9pm each day to workout – Please remember to grab a spray bottle and towel and cleanup after yourself!
Please be respectful to our facilities and staff areas
2023 Pool Season – May 27th – September 3rd
Main Pool: Open from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Quiet Pool Hours: Open from 9:00 am-7:00 pm
Questions: Email – Recfrontdesk@suddenvalley.com
Recreation Contact & Hours
Recreation Center Front Desk: 360-366-8450 recfrontdesk@suddenvalley.com
Head Lifeguard – Abigail Sorenson: asorensen@suddenvalley.com
Assistant Recreation Manager – Alex Allen: alex.allen@suddenvalley.com
Sudden Valley – Swimming Lesson
We are very pleased to announce that SVCA finalized an agreement with the Whatcom Family YMCA for the provision of swim lessons at Sudden Valley during the 2023 season. Both members and non-members of the Association will be allowed to register for lessons, non-member students will need to purchase a monthly pool pass from SVCA for the swimming lesson session they attend.
Please follow this link to signups for swimming lessons through the YMCA. https://www.whatcomymca.org/swim-lessons
There will be two sessions:
Session 1 starts July 10th and ends August 2nd.
Session 2 starts August 7th and ends August 30th.
Each session will include eight 30-minute lessons and students will be placed into classes based on their level of ability.
Lessons will take place on Mondays and Wednesday between 9:30am – 12:00pm.
During this time, three lap lanes will remain open for the use of Association members and pass-holding non-members.
Main Pool Fees | |||
Type of Fee |
User |
Guest of Members & Renters |
Public |
Daily Use |
Children 5 and under FREE |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
Child (6‐17) |
$5.75 |
$5.75 | |
Adult |
$9.25 |
$9.25 | |
Senior (62+) |
$8.75 |
$8.75 | |
Family (Max. 6 Persons) |
$28.75 |
$28.75 | |
Monthly Membership |
Children 5 and under FREE |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
Child (6‐17) |
$34.50 |
$46.00 | |
Adult |
$46 .00 |
$57.50 | |
Senior (62+) |
$40.25 |
$51.75 | |
Family (Max. 6 Persons) |
$138.00 |
$149.50 | |
Season Membership |
Children 5 and under FREE |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
Child (6‐17) |
$76.00 |
$95.00 | |
Adult |
$101.25 |
$126.50 | |
Senior (62+) |
$88.50 |
$110.75 | |
Family (Max. 6 Persons) | $349.75 |
$437.00 |
Combo Monthly Pass (Pool and Fitness Center) |
All ages | $73.75 |
$92.00 |
Marina Fees
Annual WET MOORAGE (Excludes dry storage) | Member | Non-Member |
Select Slip | $1252.00 | $2,363.00 |
Premium Slip | $1,069.00 | $2,020.00 |
Standard Slip | $930.00 | $1,756.00 |
Annual WET/DRY Moorage | Member | Non-Member |
Select Slip | $1,455.00 | $2,746.00 |
Premium Slip | $1,271.00 | $2,402.00 |
Standard Slip | $1,1320 | $2,132.00 |
Annual DRY Marina Storage | Member | Non-Member |
Dry Slip | $506.00 | $950.00 |
OTHER FEES | Member | Non-Member |
Seasonal Boat Launch Access Card (no moorage) – 1 person/card | $100.00 | $200.00 |
Seasonal Boat Launch Access Card (no moorage) – 2 person/card | $150.00 | $300.00 |
Seasonal Boat Launch Access Card (no moorage) – 3 person/card | $200.00 | $400.00 |
Day Use Boat Launch Access Card | $25.00 | $50.00 |
Annual Canoe Storage | $126.50 | $250.00 |
Community Center Amenities
- Free Little Library – Located within the Community Center Lounge, the Free Little Library features a myriad of books that can be taken free of charge.
- Board Game Lending Library – Located within the Community Center Lounge, the Board Game Lending Library features many kinds of games available for use. These games are not to be taken home but can be played for free within the Community Center.
- Fitness Center and Locker Rooms – Open 7 days a week. The Fitness Center is located on the first floor of the Community Center – The facility features strength circuit equipment, free weights, cardio (ellipticals, treadmills, rowers, bikes), stretching areas, and much more. The Fitness Center is not allowed to be exclusively rented. Also features locker rooms that include bathrooms, changing areas, showers, and day-use lockers; just bring your own lock.
- Main Pool – This is an outdoor heated 25 Yard swimming pool, which is open on a seasonal basis. Located through the Fitness Center Locker Rooms.
- Quiet Pool – The smaller SVCA pool is called the Quiet Pool and designated as a “Limited Use” pool. It is located at 10 Barn View Court, Bellingham, WA 98229, behind the South Whatcom County Library branch. This pool is only available for Members, and guests of members. No lifeguards are present at this facility, and all users swim at their own risk. The Quiet Pool is open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. There are specific rules of conduct for the Quiet Pool, which can be found in Policy 2018.02. Violation of the rules can result in suspension of access rights and a $25.00 fine.
Adult Center Entrance to Quiet Pool area Quiet Pool Sauna - Pool Information:
- Open Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend!
- Hours of Operation: Monday through Sunday!
- Quiet Pool, Showers, and Sauna: Not Available for public rentals!
- Open Seasonally from 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Located inside/outside the Adult Center (library building) at 10 Barn View Court, Bellingham, WA 98229.
- Showers located inside restrooms in the Adult Center!
- Sauna located inside Adult Center next to our professional meeting room!
- Pool Information:
- Sunshine Room – Children’s play room open 7 days a week and free to community members. Features an array of children’s toys and amenities, most suited for children ages seven and under. Can be rented for Birthday parties or other events.
- Game Lounge – Play room, open 7 days a week and free to community members. Features ping pong, air hockey, Foosball, PlayStation 2, and Wii gaming systems.
- Multi-Purpose Room B – Available for private rental.
- Multi-Purpose Room A – Not Available for private rental (Part of Gym).
- Dance Barn – Large open spaces featuring a stage, two small kitchens, wooden dance floor, a restroom, and separate back of building entrance. The space is reminiscent of an old grange hall and can hold up to 400 persons. This is the perfect venue for dances, receptions, events, large banquets, meetings, or seminars. Alcohol and raw food is not allowed within the facility. Available for private rental.
- Community Center grounds – Located directly in front of the building and adjacent, there is a children’s playground, tennis court, horseshoe court, small dog park, sports field equipped for soccer, baseball/softball, and more!
Parks & Trails
- Sudden Valley Gate 1 & 2 Recreational Amenities
- Sudden Valley Gate 3, 9, & 13 Recreational Amenities
- Sudden Valley Gate 5, Campground, & Airport Recreational Amenities
Related Documents
- Parks Master Plan (last revision: 10/1/20)
- Community Center Handbook
- Gym & Pool Fees
- Community Center Classes
- 2021 Liability Waiver
News & Updates
- Swimming Lessons Are Here! (8/10/2022)
- QUIET POOL-FACILITY RENTAL DATES & TIMES (7/29/2022)
- Main Pool Closed 6/1 (6/1/2022)
- Pool Opening May 28th!! (5/28/2022)
- Temporary Closure Due to Air Quality Concerns (8/12/2021)
- Pool Party Reservations (7/16/2021)
- 2021 Sudden Valley Flea Market (7/15/2021)
- Tai Chi (7/14/2021)
- Gym Q&A (3/8/2021)
- AM/PM Park Temporarily Closed for Maintenance (10/21/2020)
- “Trunk” or Treat (9/23/2020)
- Recreational Facility Update (7/31/2020)
- Virtual Exercise Classes (7/24/2020)
- Fourth of July Weekend Marina Office Hours (7/2/2020)
- Members Cautioned: Aggressive Red Winged Blackbird on Lake Louise Trail (6/2/2020)
Frequently Asked Questions
Click any question to find the answer.
When are the pools open?
How can I access the pools and Fitness Center?
For Sudden Valley Members, you will need to obtain an Access Card and sign a Liability Waiver. An Access Card is an RIFD card with a magnetic strip, which will let you into the Quiet Pool, Main Pool, and Fitness Center. The card features your name and picture. To obtain your card please visit the Community Center at 8 Barn View Court. If you are a non-member, you can purchase a pass at the Community Center during staff hours. Non-members are also required to sign a liability waiver. The Quiet Pool is not available to non-members.
I’m a renter, can I still use the gym?
Yes! We will need the property owners to submit the Assignment of Recreation Membership Rights, which you can find here. To complete this correctly, please contact the Recreation Center at 360-366-8450 for guidance with this process.
What kind of machines/equipment are available?
All equipment that was unable to be separated six feet apart or able to be moved away from other equipment has been marked off. There will be free weights, cardio (treadmill/elliptical), multipurpose room A will have rowing, stair stepper and stationary bikes. There will be caution tape on the equipment that is not to be used, these pieces of equipment have been chosen based off of social distancing ability within the fitness center. We will be able to open more equipment when restrictions ease further than the current 50 square feet per person rule.
What is the process when I walk in?
- If this is your first time visiting the Rec Center, we will have you sign an injury waiver at the front desk, get your temperature taken, then you will receive a disinfectant spray bottle and rag for cleaning equipment.
- If you’re returning to the Rec Center, please check in for your appointment at the front desk and get your temperature taken to receive a disinfectant spray bottle and rag for cleaning equipment.
What are the sanitation procedures?
- Disinfectant spray bottles will be given to patrons when they come to the front desk to check in along with a cleaned towel to spray and wipe down machines after use where they have touched.
- Machines will be clean and disinfected before patrons come into the gym.
- Patrons will be required to spray and wipe down equipment after use.
- Staff will be cleaning and disinfecting before opening and in between time slots, with a deep clean in the middle of the day.
- Patrons must bring in their own personal towel to wipe sweat off, as our towel service has been suspended.
Do I need to bring anything?
Please bring a mask and a towel if you need one to use on yourself. Disposable face masks will be available if you forget, but towels for personal use will not be provided.
What are the Fitness Center rules?
You can read the full Rules for the Fitness Center here, which can be found on pages 7-9 in the Community Center Handbook which you can find here, but here are the basics:
- Athletic pants/shorts, socks, t-shirts, indoor sneakers, and other specific athletic clothing is considered appropriate attire. Please do not wear outdoor shoes inside.
- Please wipe down your equipment after you are finished using it.
- Sudden Valley is not responsible for any lost or stolen property.
- Direction of any Recreation Department staff must be followed, or staff will ask the patron to leave the facility and/or alert Security.
- SVCA reserves the right to deny further use of all facilities to any individuals who violate center rules, regulations, guidelines, policies, or procedures.
- Minors ages 14 and above may use all the Community Center facilities independently with a completed Injury Waiver signed by a legal guardian or parent. It is recommended the minor complete a Fitness Center orientation with SVCA Recreation staff.
- Minors ages 12 and 13 may use the Fitness Center if accompanied by a responsible adult; must have completed Injury Waiver signed by legal guardian or parent.
Are the locker rooms open?
Yes, the locker rooms are open now!
What is a…
- Member: Property owners and any occupants of that home. Renters who have been assigned the property owner’s amenity privileges are also considered members. The Association requires a copy of the lease and as well as the completion of the Assignment of Recreational Membership Rights form, which you can find by clicking HERE. Since there is only one amenity privilege per owned property, the owner then gives this right
- Renter: Renters are those who live within the Sudden Valley community, but do not own the property they are residing on or have the amenity privileges of the property owner. These privileges can be granted to Renters by completing the Assignment of Recreational Membership Rights form, which you can find by clicking HERE.
- Card-holder: Someone who has already signed the injury/liability waiver and has purchased/been issued an Access
- Member Guests: Guests of an SVCA Member who are accompanied by that member to the Main or Quiet Pool. Member Guests are still subject to pay for Pool
- Designee: a person authorized by a member to bring that member’s child/children to use the pool. Designees will need to either bring the member’s Access Card or a valid form of ID to not be charged for
- Public: Anyone who does not fall under the definition of a Member or Member Guest
What forms do I need to submit in order to use either Pool?
All Pool users will have to sign an Injury/Liability Waiver at the time of their first appointment.
What payment methods will be accepted at the Rec Center?
The Rec Center can only accept Debit or Credit Cards.
Who can use the pools?
Sudden Valley Members, Renters, Guests of Members, and the General Public are permitted to use the Main Pool while the Quiet Pool is reserved for Sudden Valley Members & their guests or designees only.
What is the process like when I come for my appointment?
1. When patrons come in to use the pools, they will check in at the front desk to check in for their appointment and pay if needed. A member of staff will check and see if we have reached capacity, and have users fill out the appropriate forms if they have not already.
2. Once users are done at the front desk, they will go to locker rooms and can store things that they do not want to bring out to the pool deck if they so choose.
3. All users MUST take a cleansing shower before exiting the locker rooms to use the pools. Violation of this policy can result in the revocation of a user’s Access Card and/or pool use privileges.
4. Go enjoy the Pool!
5. At the end of a given time slot, lifeguards will inform Pool users that it is time to leave the pools, patrons will then go back into the locker rooms to collect any belongings left there.
6. Patrons will then go back out to the pool deck and leave the pool by exiting through the gate. This gate will be an exit only. This is done to ensure that we have one point of entry and a separate exit so as to not overcrowd the lobby at the beginning and end of time slots.
What is the Main Pool?
This is an outdoor heated Olympic-size swimming pool with a capacity of 125 users at a given time. It is located through the Fitness Center Locker Rooms. This pool is open to Members, Renters, and the General Public.
What are the rules regarding use of the Main Pool?
Click here to read the Main Pool Rules.
What is the maximum number of people I can schedule an appointment for?
Members can bring up to 6 guests per household.
Am I allowed to take my children’s friends to the pool?
Yes, but all children need a Liability Waiver signed by their parents. We cannot allow children into the pool who does not have a liability waiver signed by their parent. If the child lives within Sudden Valley, there is no charge. If the child is from outside Sudden Valley there is a fee. However, children five and under are free.
How many Children can I bring to the pools?
To promote the safety of our pools, you can bring up to six children per responsible adult to the Main Pool. Children 14 years and above can use the pool by themselves. Therefore, only children 13 and below will count towards this ratio, unless the child 14 years and above is a non-swimmer. In addition, one adult may only bring a maximum of two minors to the Quiet Pool; children must be potty-trained.
My babysitter/nanny is not a Sudden Valley Member. Can they take my children to the pool?
Yes. To better accommodate those members who have nannies or babysitters who take their children to the pool, we have created a Parent Authorization Form. The form allows for the nanny or babysitter “designee”, to accompany the member’s children to the pool at no charge. The Parent Authorization Form needs to be filled out by the member and designee and brought to the Community Center. As usual, all children need a Liability Waiver on file signed by the parent. The babysitter/nanny will need to either bring the member’s Access Card or a valid form of ID to not be charged for entrance.
How many Access Cards does a household receive?
Each family in good standing will be issued 1 free card. Additional cards are $8 each. Each card will have the card holder’s picture and be assigned to a person.
How much does an Access Card cost?
Each household receives 1 free card. After that, there is a one time fee of $8 for each additional card. This is to cover the cost of production for the card. Each card takes about 10 minutes to process.
Do children require their own Access Card?
Children 14 years of age or older can use the Fitness Center and pool independently; with parent or guardian permission. Therefore, children 14 and above must receive their own card. Children below the age of 14 are not required to have an access card; they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
What are the rules around Minor/Youth use of the pools?
Who is required to pass a Swim Test?
Click here for the Swim Test guidelines.
What is the Quiet Pool?
The smaller SVCA pool is called the Quiet Pool and designated as a “Limited Use” pool. This pool is available for Members, and guests of members. No lifeguards are present at this facility and all users swim at their own risk. The capacity for the Quiet Pool is 30 Occupants (25 adults and 5 children).
What are the rules regarding use of the Quiet Pool?
Click here to read the Quiet Pool Rules.
Can Members bring Guests to the Quiet Pool?
Yes. Members are prohibited from allowing non-members access to the Quiet Pool without first checking in at the community center or taking a cleansing shower. If staff finds a member has allowed a guest into the pool without the proper permissions SVCA has the right to revoke the users access cards.
Can I book/reserve either Pool for a Pool Party?
No, at this time we are not allowing either pool to be reserved.
Will there be seating available?
Yes, socially distanced tables and chairs will be available.
Will there be floaties/pool toys provided?
No, not at this time.
Are floaties allowed?
Yes, please check with the front desk for specifics on permitted floaties.
Are the Locker rooms available for use?
Yes, the locker rooms are available for use by all Pool users. The lockers are free for Members, while Member Guests, Renters, & Public users pay a small rental fee. Day rentals and Monthly rentals are available.
Can I book/reserve either Pool for a Pool Party?
No, at this time we are not allowing either pool to be reserved.
Will there be seating available?
Yes, socially distanced tables and chairs will be available.
Will there be floaties/pool toys provided?
No, not at this time.
Are floaties allowed?
Yes, please check with the front desk for specifics on permitted floaties.
What is the definition of a “Member”?
For the purposes of issuing passes, a Member is a property owner and the occupants of that home.
What is an Access Card?
A magnetic strip card that is issued by the Recreation Department, featuring your name and picture. This card grants the access to the Fitness Center and pool areas.
Who needs an Access Card?
All Members 14 years of age or older needs their own Access Card. Members between 14 and 17 can use the Fitness Center and Main Pool independently. Members 18 years and above have access to both pools and Fitness Center. Children 13 and below cannot use the facilities independently, and must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
How do I get my Access Card?
Go to the Community Center at 8 Barn View Court to get your Access Card. Cards can be applied for Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on weekends from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. They will take your picture, confirm your membership and standing, then process the Card. Each person receiving a card must sign a Liability Waiver. They may ask you to come back and pick the card up later.
How much does an Access Card cost?
Each household receives 1 free card. After that, there is a onetime fee of $8.00 for each additional card. This is to cover the cost of production for the card. Each card takes about 10 minutes to process.
How many Access Cards does a household receive?
Each family in good standing will be issued 1 free card. Additional cards are $8 each. Each card will have the card holder’s picture and be assigned to a person.
Who must sign a Waiver?
Everyone that accesses the Fitness Center or pools must have a signed Waiver of Liability. Children under the age of consent (18) must have their parent or legal guardian sign for them. We require signed Waivers to gain access into the Fitness Center and pools; parents are required to sign a Waiver of Liability for each of their children if they will use the pools or Fitness Center.
Do children require their own Access Card?
Children 14 years of age or older can use the Fitness Center and pool independently; with parent or guardian permission. Therefore, children 14 and above must receive their own card. Children below the age of 14 are not required to have an access card; they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
When is an Access Card not required?
Children under the age of 14 do not have to have their own access card.
Can a Renter in the Valley obtain Member amenity privileges?
Yes, an owner can assign their privileges to the renter. The Association requires a copy of the lease and our Assignment of Recreation membership Rights form to be completed, and submitted, by the property owner to the Recreation Manager at recmgr@suddenvalley.com; forms cannot be submitted by the tenant. Since there is only one amenity privilege per owned property, the owner then gives this right up and will subsequently have to pay to access amenities if they wish to use them.
My babysitter/nanny is not a Sudden Valley Member. Can they take my children to the pool?
Yes. To better accommodate those members who have nannies or babysitters who take their children to the pool, we have created a Parent Authorization Form for Use of Pool. The form allows for the nanny or babysitter “designee”, to accompany the member’s children to the pool at no charge. The Parent Authorization Form needs to be filled out by the member and designee and brought to the Community Center. As usual, all children need a Liability Waiver on file signed by the parent. The babysitter/nanny will need to either bring the member’s Access Card or a valid form of ID to not be charged for entrance.
Can a Member bring a Guest to the pools or Fitness Center?
Yes! Members can bring guests to the pool and Fitness Center. There is a fee for each guest and the guest must fill out a liability waiver at the Recreation Department, located at Barn 8 in the Community Center. There is a day pass, monthly pass, and seasonal pass available for the pool and Fitness Center. The Recreation Department is only able to accept debit or credit card payments; no cash.
Can children use the pools or Fitness Center by themselves?
Minors 14 years of age and older who have an Injury Waiver signed by their parent or legal guardian can use the Main Pool and Fitness Center independently. This does not exempt minors from a swim test or Fitness Center orientation with Recreation staff. Minors 12 and 13 years of age may use the Fitness Center if accompanied by a responsible adult. All other scenarios are considered on a case-by-case basis. Quiet Pool rules are stipulated in Policy 2018.02.
How many children can I bring to the pools?
To promote the safety of our pools, you can bring up to six children per responsible adult to the Main Pool. Children 14 years and above can use the pool by themselves. Therefore, only children 13 and below will count towards this ratio, unless the child 14 years and above is a non-swimmer. In addition, one adult may only bring a maximum of two minors to the Quiet Pool; children must be potty-trained.
Am I allowed to take my children’s friends to the pool?
Yes, but all children need a Liability Waiver signed by their parents. We cannot allow children into the pool who does not have a liability waiver signed by their parent. If the child lives within Sudden Valley, there is no charge. If the child is from outside Sudden Valley there is a fee. However, children five and under are free.