About a month ago, I was checking out the construction crews putting up grandstands over at Pop Keeney Field, and I glanced over at the nearby shuttered Northshore Pool building. Weeds were growing wildly outside and there was no sign of life at the once-thriving spot where Bothell, Inglemoor and Woodinville’s high-school teams competed and practiced and a bevy of children and adult groups swam and socialized.

I spent many hours in that place watching meets and interviewing athletes who had notched state-qualifying times and league titles. It was sad to see the parking lot and pool vacated, ghost-town style.

But thanks to the city of Bothell and McMenamins, that pool is slated to thrive once again in the near future as part of the Oregon-based company’s opening of one of its famed grounds that will feature a hotel, restaurant, pub, movie theater and such.

Also important is the preservation of the Anderson Building, also on Bothell Way Northeast, to house the new McMenamins. Residents have always been fond of the towering red-brick building that’s housed schools over the years, and I feel it helps give Bothell that old-time character that fits in perfectly with the downtown Main Street USA atmosphere.

It’s a nod to the past and future of Bothell in keeping that building and pool area alive.

And while Bothell will benefit monetarily and draw many new visitors to town through the McMenamins addition, Kenmore and Woodinville could score, as well, by people flocking to the Northshore area and discovering what those towns have to offer. Wineries, parks, restaurants and other hot spots abound, so the future should look bright for everyone.

Speaking of Bothell, Kenmore and Woodinville, the cities will be hopping this Sunday on the Fourth of July with parades, music and fireworks. They’re working together on the festivities — just as it should be with good neighbors.