2025 Pool Options Study
Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation District Hosts Third and Final Open House of Pool Options Study with Pool Concept Design Reveal
Join us for the 3rd & final community open house as part of the 2025 Pool Options Study on Wednesday, December 10, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM in the Hood River Middle School Cafeteria.
This event marks the culmination of months of community engagement and feedback following the tough lessons of the failed 2024 ballot measures. A new, pared-down pool design concept will be revealed.
The evening will begin with a short presentation outlining the challenges of funding parks and recreation services and the process that led to the new concept design. Following the presentation, attendees can participate in breakout sessions where they can:
Ask questions and share feedback
Take an optional pool tour
Learn about the newly formed HR Parks & Recreation Foundation
Get information on how campaigns work
Enjoy refreshments
Why Attend?
After the failed ballot measures in May 2024, the District listened and learned. The District learned that the previous ask was too big, but the need for a pool is still important.
“We went back to the drawing board, and now we’re ready to share the new pool concept shaped by the feedback of thousands of residents across the county,” said Board President Christy Christopher.
What have we done to gather community feedback since the May 2024 election?
Multiple Listening Sessions (both one-on-one, small group, tabling at events, multiple open houses) in Summer 2024.
Post Election Survey: We conducted an online survey during the summer of 2024.
The results of the Listening Sessions and Survey can be found in the Post Election Survey Report. The lini to the report is HERE.
A Community Open House #1 of the 2025 Pool Options Study in July, which welcomed over 100 attendees
A Pool Concept Workshop #2 on September 7th, where participants reviewed and discussed potential design concepts & ranked amenities and priorities.
An online open house and survey were opened following the Pool Concept Workshop through Sept 28, sharing various concepts and inviting feedback from the community. Over 850 took the survey. Thank you! The survey is now closed, but you may click on link to view the info and see the types of questions asked.
Using your feedback, the architects are working on a final concept design to share with you on December 10.
Questions? Please shoot us an EMAIL or stop by the pool.
Do you want to understand the tax implications for each concept? CLICK ON THIS LINK to find a property and see how each replacement concept might impact property taxes. We will be providing an update to this link for our open house on December 10th.
Below are the initial concepts presented in September. Join us on Dec 10 to see the detailed concept design.
Concept 1:
Renovation of the existing pool, including new locker rooms, offices, and a lobby. The pool area would be enclosed by a tent.
Concept 2:
Full replacement of the pool with a new layout and updated features, maintaining the same square footage as Concept 1. The pool area would be enclosed by a building with a roof.
Concept 3:
Full replacement with a slightly larger facility and a different layout, designed to support future growth in community use and programming. This concept layout is all on one floor. The pool area would be enclosed by a building with a roof.
Overview
Last year’s bond and levy to fund a new facility did not pass. Since then, we’ve spent time actively listening to the community and learning from your feedback. What we heard loud and clear: the community wants transparency and involvement in the decision-making process. Hood River Valley Parks & Recreation has hired the architectural firm, Integrus to lead a comprehensive pool study. The scope of their work includes:
A full assessment of current pool conditions
Potential design and renovation options
A detailed cost analysis to help guide future decisions about Aquatic Center.
This study is designed to involve the community, promote transparency, and ensure that your voice helps shape what comes next.
Why Now?
The pool has served our community for decades — but many systems are outdated, failing, or costly to maintain. Recent issues include:
$50,000 in emergency HVAC repairs last fall, which delayed heating until November
Three of 22 tent panels recently failed beyond repair ($12,000 each)
Facility accessibility issues
Mechanical systems are nearing end-of-life
Leaks caused from old, rusty, & brittle piping
Out-dated locker rooms
Pool Options Workshop #2:
On Sunday, September 7th, we held two Community Workshops on the pool options. The consultants gave a presentation on the steps they have taken to date, which include a Facility Conditions Assessment, a Community Open House, and an online survey. From there, consultants developed three concept designs based on community input. They walked participants through the options, went over cost considerations, answered questions, and participants were able to participate in a ranking activity to help prioritize the types of amenities they would like to see in a future facility.
Open House #1 Recap:
Thank you to everyone who participated!
On July 9, over 100 community members joined us for the first Pool Options Study Open House at the Hood River Aquatic Center. We’re so grateful to everyone who toured the facility, asked questions, and shared ideas about the future of aquatics in Hood River.
Interactive feedback stations
Presentations from architects and pool consultants
Behind-the-scenes facility tours (including the pump room)
Light refreshments
Community history of the Aquatic Center and HRVPRD
