Closed when its operator walked away for financial reasons, the saga of the Carole Ann Wald Memorial Pool in Kenmore’s St. Edward State Park presumably came to an end when new management took over the facility in May.

Now the same story is unfolding in Bothell where the Ruiz-Costie/Northshore Pool may be facing closure as the same operator who formerly ran the Wald pool has given notice it is terminating its agreement to operate the facility on Bothell Way Northeast.

The Bothell pool is owned by a consortium of the cities of Bothell and Woodinville along with the Northshore School District. Interim director of communication for the schools, Pamela Steele said the district received a letter dated June 24 from pool operators Northwest Center stating that it would be terminating its contract to run the pool.

Although a couple of sources said Northwest was walking away from the pool 30 days from the date of the letter, Steele said it was unclear when Northwest is ending its relationship with the pool. She also said it was unclear if and when the pool would close, though it is hard to see the pool staying open without an operator.

According to Steele, the letter of termination was signed by Northwest Vice President Mike Quinn.

Northwest officials did not respond to several calls requesting comment.

In Bothell, Mayor Mark Lamb confirmed the city knew of Northwest’s intention to walk away from the pool.

“What we’re doing is trying to find a viable replacement,” Lamb said, adding he personally was committed to maintaining public access to the pool.

In its letter, Steele said Northwest officials cited the pool as generating a $50,000 annual operating deficit.

“We’re really disappointed,” Steele added with regards to Northwest’s decision, but also quickly stated it was understandable given the financial numbers.

Steele noted the timing of Northwest’s departure couldn’t have been much worse from the school district’s point of view, arriving even as officials are gearing up for the coming academic year. Steele said all three Northshore high schools — Bothell, Inglemoor and Woodinville — use the Bothell pool for swimming and diving competitions. She couldn’t say what happens to the aquatic teams at the three schools if the pool becomes unavailable.

“Obviously, we’re working to find someone to take their place,” Steele said of Northwest.

Located in Seattle, Northwest is a certified nonprofit serving disabled persons throughout the area. The center used the Wald pool for exercise and swimming classes for its clients and presumably does the same at the Bothell center.

After Northwest walked away from the Wald pool (citing in that case a $55,000 a year deficit), what followed was a long series of talks between the state park system and potential operators. According to most sources at the state and elsewhere, only one or two such operators ever surfaced. That number included the pool’s new operator, Mill Creek’s nonprofit West Coast Aquatics. There has been no public word from West Coast as to whether or not it might be willing to take on what would be its third pool.