Bond & Levy Project

Overview

Proposed concept layout of the rebuilt Aquatic Center on the same site. Specific design work for the new pool will take place over the next year.

Hood River Valley Parks & Recreation District is a special district created in 1988 that serves almost all of Hood River County (Cascade Locks is not included). The District operates independently from the City of Hood River and Hood River County.

In May 2026, voters approved two measures for the District:

  • Bond: public financing to rebuild the Hood River Aquatic Center at its current location.

  • Levy: five years of funding to support community recreation, maintain parks and trails, and keep the pool operating.

Key Milestones for Pool

    • HRV Parks and Rec Foundation launches capital campaign for enhancements (add’l roll-up doors; splashpad)

    • Recruiting members for Oversight Committee and 2026-27 Advisory Council

    • Hire Owner’s Representative. An Owner’s Representative is hired to oversee the entire project. They represent HRVPRD and will work with the future architects and contractors to ensure the project remains on time, within budget, and is up to standard. (Request for Proposals here)

      • Draft RFP for Pool Design (buildable plans)

  • We do not have specific dates yet on when the pool will be rebuilt. As the project moves along, we will update this page will details. Stay tuned for more info.

    • Complete architectural design

    • Begin general contractor competitive bid process

    • Begin permitting process

    • Begin demolition & construction (We will update this area with concrete dates when we have more details.)

    • Aquatic Center constructruction completed.

    • Grand opening of rebuilt aquatic center

How to Get Involved

Frequently Asked Questions

  • First, we have to hire an owner’s representative (in progress now) who will help look out for HRVPRD’s best interest and oversee the entire project from design to construction.

    The estimated timeline for the pool rebuild project will be provided one the final architectural design is completed. We don’t have that date yet. The closure of the current pool is estimated to be sometime around or after summer of 2027.

    The pool concept consultants estimated that the construction project (from demolition through rebuild) will take approximately 12-18 months.

    A more precise timeline will be provided once we have more concrete details.

  • Hood River Valley Parks and Rec Foundation has launched a $2 million campaign to raise additional funds for enhancements to supplement the bond funds. There are 3 areas of focus:

    • Indoor enhancements (like a more space in the recreation pool, play features & bleachers)

    • Outdoor enhancements (like an outdoor patio, splashpad, and seating for the patio).

    • Indoor-outdoor connections (Large doors for fresh air and more windows for natural light)

    • You can find out more about the Foundation’s efforts HERE.

    Additionally, the District will be applying for grants for eligible outdoor features, like a splash pad and patio. Check out this document that outlines what grants are viable for this project.

  • We are committed to minimizing the impact on all of our District residents during the time the pool is being rebuilt. If the bond and levy are approved, we will continue to operate the pool while we proceed through the project's design and permitting phases. 


    While the pool is closed for construction, we are exploring the possibility of partnering with other pools in the gorge so that user groups, high school swim teams, and water polo teams can use those facilities. Facilities that are willing to partner with us include: Stevenson Pool (indoor facility), Northern Wasco Parks and Rec (summer), and possibly the Mt. Hood Aquatic Center (indoor facility). Additionally, we will also look into coordinating some transportation options for users. 


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