Since the city of Bellevue acquired the Bellevue Aquatic Center from King County in 1997, the facility has been a favorite for area swimmers, with nearly 124,000 visitors last year, city officials said Wednesday.

The community is invited to celebrate the facility’s 20-year anniversary from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 at the aquatic center with free swimming, raffles and cake.

After taking over pool operations, the city added a warm-water pool and big slide. The Warm Springs Therapy Pool, maintained at 92 degrees, is used for water therapy, swim lessons and open swims. Its accessibility features include a wheelchair ramp, gradual entry and two lifts.

The Blue Lagoon Lap Pool is maintained at 82 degrees and features six 25-yard lap lanes and an attached 13-foot dive tank with a diving board and the slide. The Blue Lagoon is used for both recreation and therapy including: open, lap and masters swims; water aerobics; swim lessons; swim teams; and physical, occupational and recreational therapy.

For more information, visit the Bellevue Aquatic Center’s website.