If the bond measure is approved by the voters, construction would begin immediately.  The facility is anticipated to open to the public in summer 2025.

• 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

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

• 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

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

A voted bond measure gives the public an opportunity to decide on funding for a large project like the Aquatic Recreation Center that is beyond normal Parks operations and maintenance.

Survey feedback to the District tells us the community wants this project done with high priority. If the bond measure is approved construction would start immediately, and the facility is anticipated to open to the public in summer 2025.

The proposal on the November 2023 ballot has an estimated bond levy rate of $0.17 per $1,000 of assessed property value (based on current estimates).  The tax impact to construct the facility will vary based on each property owner’s assessment, but for the owner of a $500,000 home the monthly tax impact is estimated at $7.08 and the annual tax impact is estimated at $85.  Other fundraising currently underway may reduce the size of the bond issuance, and if so, would reduce these monthly and annual estimates.  The table below estimates the tax cost for various assessed values.  Final levy rates will vary.

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 with a planned supplemental maintenance and operations levy.

This supplemental levy for operations and maintenance would not be proposed to the voters until the facility was built and ready to open, but this information is provided now in order that the voting public be made aware additional tax dollars will be required to operate and maintain the facility.

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.

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.