When Jan and Steve Halbakken got married, instead the traditional bridal registry, the couple asked friends and family for monetary donations to fill the wading pool at Soundview Park with water.

Over $4,000 was raised and the money helped keep the pool open for use on summer weekends, when the city normally leaves it empty.

The Halbakkens turned the money over to the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation with the agreement that it be used for weekend staffing and the 4,000 daily gallons of water needed to fill it both days.

The Halbakkens have been a couple for 29 years. They decided to make it official this spring and got married at the Sunset Hill Community Club in front of 200 people.

"There was no rush," to get married according to Steve.

"For the longest time, it was fine with us. We (married) for the grandkids and us," Jan said.

The couple visited the pool with Jan's nine grandchildren one weekend last year and found the pool dry as a bone. The couple said they had everything they needed already in their home and decided to request money instead of presents to fill the pool so others could enjoy it on Saturdays and Sundays.

The pool is normally filled by the city Mondays through Fridays at a cost of $500 a day for water and staff. Next year the city said it will cost $700 to fill and operate the pool.

The Halbakkens plan to continue raising money to keep it open the other weekend day.

"We want families to do things together. We all pay taxes, what better use is there than to encourage family bonding," said Jan.

During the hot temperatures a few weeks ago, the pool was packed with families. Some families spend an hour or all day at the park, bringing portable barbecues and taking advantage of the baseball field, children's play equipment and the large grassy open area.

The pool is open for ten weeks from the end of the school year to the third week of August. In order to help raise funds next year, the couple is considering bake sales, garage sales and other similar events.