The primary proposal involves building a new pool and community center on land occupied by the Collins Field and Tsuruta Tennis Courts — which is substantially larger than the pool’s current location. The proposal has a cost estimate of $60.1 million and would include a recreational pool, a competition pool, gymnasium, various locker rooms, administration offices, classrooms, party rooms, multipurpose fitness rooms and new parking spaces.
The primary proposal involves building a new pool and community center on land occupied by the Collins Field and Tsuruta Tennis Courts — which is substantially larger than the pool’s current location. The proposal has a cost estimate of $60.1 million and would include a recreational pool, a competition pool, gymnasium, various locker rooms, administration offices, classrooms, party rooms, multipurpose fitness rooms and new parking spaces.
The Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation District PAC has officially launched its campaign for the district’s two funding measures on the May ballot. Yes-Yes for Parks & Rec is the PAC responsible for educating voters on the capital bond and local option levy that the district is asking for. Their website, www.yesyesPnR.com, provides details about both measures.
The Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation District is requesting the funds to replace the aging aquatic center with a comprehensive community center, fund parks and ballfields, connect trails, and sustain community recreation programs. The levy will be used for operating dollars, including increased rec programming.
“I am devoted to supporting this campaign. The Hood River Valley Aquatic Center, trails and parks have been an integral part of my life and that of my family, providing us opportunities to exercise, relax, and connect with friends. I feel these measures are an important investment in our community that, if approved, will let us all enjoy these spaces for decades more,” says PAC Director Rachel Tsu Hyde.
In support of the measures, five local chefs are collaborating with the campaign to host a fundraising dinner, “Big Night in a Small Town,” on April 7 at Celilo Restaurant. Aaron Baumhackl of Solstice, Ben Stenn of Celilo, John Helleberg of Chefs Collective, Kathy Watson of Chefs Collective, and Lindsay Gott of Gateaux are generously donating their time to the event and will create one course each, for a total of five unique dishes throughout the night.
“We are happy to support the Parks and Rec campaign because our parks and pool are important community assets,” said Watson. “And the five of us have never had the chance to cook together before, so we are very excited to present this dinner to the community. Also, many thanks to Celilo and Ben Stenn for turning over his kitchen and dining room to us for the night.”
The team is also offering four public information sessions with optional free tours of the pool’s inner machinery. They are set for Friday, April 12 at 7:30 a.m.; Friday, April 12 at noon; Saturday, April 13 at 9 a.m.; and Thursday, April 18 at 5:30 p.m. Questions about the campaign or the measures can be emailed to yesyesypnr@yahoo.com.
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Nan Noteboom is chair of the Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation board of directors.
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