Aquatic Recreation Center
Current Updates/Status
Current Status: For the past six months, as part of receiving bond funding, our district had to go through a multi-month financial audit with the State of Washington. This was followed by working with Standard and Poor’s to get what is called a Bond Rating. This is what is currently happening. We anticipate receiving the first portion of the $27 million from the bond in July 2024.
We are currently at the end of what is called Design Development (DD). This is where the design input for the Aquatic Recreation Center is being finalized.
Next step, which we anticipate starting in July, is entering into the Contract Document (CD) phase. This typically is about a 4-6-month phase where the designs are put through the final stages, some permits are secured, etc.
After this, we will go out to bid for the construction of the project. Once we enter into contract with a builder, we will have a groundbreaking ceremony.
As far as when will the pool be open to the public, we will have a much better timeline for this when we work through the Contract Document phase.
If you would like to talk about the progress, feel free to contact our Director, Brian Tomisser at 360.221.6488.
Last Updated June 7
Will another vote for a levy be needed to pay for operating the faciilty?
Yes, once built, this facility will have a cost to operate and maintain that is separate from the construction costs that will be paid with the bonds referenced above. A portion of these costs will be covered with user fees and rentals. The remainder will be addressed within our regular maintenance and operation levy which funds the District.
Our current levy runs through 2026. We will be proposing a new levy in 2026, that will begin in 2027.
What is planned for this facility?
- Multipurpose warm learning pool for swim lessons, water safety, physical therapy, water aerobics, water walking, core fitness, and family recreation
- Multipurpose lap pool for family and lap swim, lessons, swim teams, vertical exercise, and water safety training
- Multipurpose rooms for community meetings, party rentals, and activities
- Multipurpose fitness area for wellness activities including yoga, Pilates, and dance
- Staff offices for the Park District
Where will the facility be located?
The chosen site is in Community Park at the Maxwelton Road entrance.
The site was selected because it is:
- on land already owned by the public
- in a central location between Freeland, Clinton, and Langley
- served by Island Transit
- near the public schools
- a short drive from Highway 525
- closely connected to the Parks trail system, fields, picnic shelters, sport courts, and other facilities
What activities are planned for the facility?
- Water safety
- Learn to swim
- Therapy and rehabilitative services
- Family recreation
- Aquatic fitness
- Youth swim clubs
- School swim teams
- Robotics and other special project activities
- Special needs programs
- Stand up paddleboard and kayak classes
- Community functions, parties, entertainment
- Day camp programs
- Sports programs and camps
What about Environmental Stewardship?
One of the guiding principles for South Whidbey Parks & Recreation District operations is to develop, operate, and maintain the parks system in an environmentally responsible manner. The design, construction, and operation of this Aquatic Recreation Center will be done with clear focus on this principle of environmental stewardship. Elements of the environmental stewardship plan include:
- Siting the facility in a central location on a transit line
- Developing the site in a responsible manner
- Using sustainable, recyclable building materials
- Building a highly insulated structure
- Choosing high efficiency HVAC systems
- Designing a high efficiency pool heating system
- Including solar in the building design to reduce the carbon footprint of the facility
- Developing wastewater, stormwater systems to recharge aquifers
Who will operate and maintain the facility once it is up and running?
The facility will be operated and maintained by the Parks District. Currently, the Parks District rents office space from Island County. The plan to put the Parks District staff offices in the building will make the operation most cost-effective and will make this building the de facto Parks headquarters for the future.
Tell me more about the Parks District
South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District is a local government entity overseen by a volunteer group of five citizens elected by District voters. The budget to operate and maintain the Parks system is from a voted levy provided by the citizens of the District. The District operates with a small staff of three office and three maintenance employees who administer District recreation programs and maintain more than 400 acres at six park sites. Oversight of this staff is provided by the District Board of Commissioners and audits of District finances are conducted biennially by the State of Washington.
Municipal Bonds going on sale for Aquatic Center
Our first issuance of bonds are going to be sold on or around June 25th. The following is an announcement with details and also contact information if anyone wants to know about purchasing bonds.
Link to draft of DD set for Aquatic Recreation Center. This is not the final set, but the updated draft as of January 2024.