BELLEVUE, Wash. — A longtime Bellevue recreation center that was on the brink of shutting down will remain open after rallying support from the community.

Samena Swim & Recreation Club , a nonprofit that has served families on the Eastside for nearly 70 years, announced Tuesday afternoon that it will continue operations after receiving a surge in pledges for donations over the weekend.

“The board voted to keep Samena open and we hope we’re going to stay for another 67-odd years,” the club’s board president told staff and supporters during the announcement, which ended in applause.

The decision is a relief for more than 1,500 members who rely on the facility’s programs, fitness spaces and popular swimming pools. For board member Travis Rhodes, the outcome felt especially meaningful.

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