Fact Sheet

Historical Perspective

Ten years ago an initiative for an indoor pool failed.  This initiative was prematurely sent to the citizens of Chelan as it was unclear on what the facility would offer, unclear on the tax burden for residents and unclear on the location of the facility.  More recently, two separate community surveys concluded the top priorities identified by area residents were an indoor swimming pool and a multi-purpose community center.  A facility of this nature not only meets the needs of residents of Chelan, but also those in our surrounding communities.  The nearest community centers for our Valley are in Twisp, Okanogan and Wenatchee.  Wenatchee also houses the only indoor pool for our area.

Aquatics & Community Center Committee Goals

1.    Collect input and garner support from our community.

2.    Research and develop a comprehensive plan for an aquatics and community center.

3.    Build a centrally located, self-supporting multi-use Aquatics & Community Center uniquely designed to capture the essence of Lake Chelan Valley which will provide a gathering place as well as improve the quality of life for area residents, neighbors and guests.

Committee Members

The Lake Chelan Aquatics & Community Center Committee (LCACCC) is a volunteer committee aligned with the Lake Chelan Recreation Development Foundation, a private, non-profit 501(C)(3) organization. The LCACCC is fully committed to performing "due diligence" including: seeking community input, exploring all viable funding options/models, studying conceptual design proposals/locations, collaborating with state, county and city officials.  The LCACCC is made up of a cross section of dedicated people from the Chelan Valley representing various professions (legal, architecture, CPA and education), parents, retirees, and the business community including:

·         Art Campbell, Jr.

·         Rich Watson

·         Steve Wilson

·         Ron Coulter

·         Jacque DePaoli

·         Bob Sailor

·         Larry Hibbard

·         Linda Candler

·         Patti Caputo

·         Erin McCardle

·         Scott McKellar

·         Don Mollett

·         Bob Hobble

·         Jordana LaPorte

·         Mike Sherer

·         Jeff Soehren

·         John Anderson

·         Lynn A. Nelson

·         Dave Rider

·         Daria Stypinski

·         Liz Monrean  

 

Facility Design

The current proposal is CONCEPTUAL and suggests a two story building, featuring unique, year-round, indoor/outdoor amenities (8 lane pool, wading/therapy pool, exercise/meeting/multipurpose space, concessions, family lockers, and saunas) and other outdoor amenities such as sand volleyball courts, picnic and outdoor seating areas, splash and leisure pool, basketball court and climbing wall. 

Benefits to the Community

The LCACC seeks to develop a facility that will benefit not only Chelan residents, but also the immediate surrounding communities from Brewster to Wenatchee.  The current proposed facility will be a place to:

·         Swim

·         Exercise

·         Have family time

·         Socialize

·         Train & Compete

·         Relax

·         Learn something new

·         Ice skate

·         Meet new friends

Location

The LCACCC developed the following site location considerations to identify the most optimum location, including: 

1.    FINANCIAL IMPACT on community

2.    AFFORDABLE/PUBLIC land

3.    YEAR-ROUND community use

4.    SPACE for parking and future expansion

5.    ACCESS to bus routes and trails

6.    COMPATIBLE with the neighborhood

7.    LAKE VIEWS and minimizes view loss

8.    LAKE ACCESS     

Finance

The goal is to find alternative funding solutions other than solely depending on resident taxation.  Potential funding sources include grants, donations, portion of EXISTING business and operation taxes and hotel/motel tax, naming rights, and new taxes generated through a recreation district and/or a public development authority.