2025 Pool Options Study

Help Shape the Future of the Pool

The Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation District is continuing its Pool Options Study to evaluate the future of the aging Hood River Aquatic Center.

As part of this process, the District has hosted two public engagement events:

  • A Community Open House in July, which welcomed over 100 attendees

  • A Pool Concept Workshop on September 7th, where participants reviewed and discussed potential design concepts & ranked amenities and priorities.

Consultants created three pool concepts based on community input. They are just concepts and a test to see if they will concept amenities will fit on the project site. The concepts are:

  • Concept 1: Renovation of the existing pool, including new locker rooms, offices, and a lobby

  • Concept 2: Full replacement of the pool with a new layout and updated features, maintaining the same square footage as Concept 1

  • Concept 3: Full replacement with a slightly larger facility and a different layout, designed to support future growth in community use and programming

To support continued public input, an online survey is now available. The survey provides detailed information about the project, including:

  • Background on the Pool Options Study

  • Descriptions of each concept

  • A side-by-side comparison of features and estimated costs

  • A space to share your feedback

🗓️ The survey is open through September 28 and can be accessed at:
🔗 English Survey
🔗 Encuesta en Español

Community input will help guide the next steps in planning a facility that meets the long-term needs of Hood River residents. Please share your feedback by taking the survey. Questions? Please shoot us an EMAIL or stop by the pool.


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.

  • Next steps: Take the SURVEY and share your input. This will help inform a single concept design and a potential long-term needs for residents.

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