• Hood River Aquatic Center

    Hood River Aquatic Center

    2025 Pool Options Study Online Open House

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  • Welcome!

    The Hood River Valley Aquatic Center has outlived its useful life and must be renovated or replaced to provide a safe and functioning facility that meets the needs of the Hood River County community.

    In this online open house, you can learn more about the project and share your thoughts and ideas for the future. Open until September 22, 2025.

    Read on to learn more about:

      • Project Background
      • Pool Design Concepts
      • Share Your Feedback on Pool Amenities
      • Next Steps

    Use the “Next” button below to move through the pages in order. Be sure to click or tap “Submit” on the last page.

  • Project Background

    About The Pool

    The current facility has served generations of Hood River County swimmers!

    More about the facility:

    • Built in 1948.
    • Many parts modernized in 1993, enclosure added in 1995.
    • The pool welcomes 65,000 visits annually by a community members of all ages.
    • Free swim lessons offered through partnership with Hood River County School District, and through the grant-funded adult learn to swim and active rx programs.

    Key Pool Features

    • Swim Lessons
    • Lap Training
    • Shower & Locker Rooms
    • Adult & Family Therapy
    • Open Swim
    • Pool Party Room
    • Water Polo/Swim Team
    • Water Aerobics

    Help Shape The Pool’s Next Chapter!

    The 2024 bond did not pass, but the pool’s problems have not gone away. It’s time to come together and find a solution that gives our community the safe, accessible, and thriving aquatic facility it deserves.

  • Pool Design Concepts

  • Existing Facility

    The current pool has served generations of Hood River County swimmers. The building’s main systems are near the end of their life and don’t meet current building codes.

    Level 1

    Level 2

    Site section diagram 1

    Site section diagram 2

  • Concept 1: Renovate pools and replace pool house (New tent)

    This option renovates the existing pools but fully replaces the pool house. The new design improves how people move through the building and improves the functionality of spaces, but keeps the overall layout the same.

    Level 1

    Level 2

    Site section diagram 1

    Site section diagram 2

  • Concept 2: Full replacement, two levels (Permanent Roof and Enclosed Building)

    This design is a full replacement building. The combined warm water pool is placed closer to the lobby and the north side is opened to give pool users views of the gorge.

    Level 1

    Level 2

    Site section diagram 1

    Site section diagram 2

  • Concept 3: Full replacement, single level

    This is also a full replacement but keeps everything on one level. The pools are rotated to fit the site better. The combined warm water pool has additional laps for when the competition pool is in use.

    Level 1

    Site section diagram 1

    Site section diagram 2

    Site section diagram 3

  • To record your responses, be sure to click or tap the “Submit” button at the end.

  • Comparing the Concepts

    Each concept has it’s own strengths, challenges and cost implications. By understanding these differences, the community can decide together which concept creates the most value and long-term benefit for Hood River County.

  • Concept 1 (Tent Building)

    Renovate Pools, Replace Poolhouse

    Site plan showing competition pool, warm water pools, and support spaces
    Pool & Building Square Footage
    • Competition Pool = 6,150 SF
    • Warm Water Pools = 1,550 SF
    • Overall Building Area = 26,000 SF
    Annual Operational Costs:
    • Expense Budget = $1,066,000
    • Revenue Budget = $425,000
    • Operational Subsidy = $(641,000)
    • Cost Recovery = 39.9%

    Total Project Cost =
    $30 – 36 million

    50-Year Total Project Cost =
    $53 – 59 million

    Anticipated Building Lifespan =
    25 years

    Total Project Cost Breakdown:
    • New Building = $5,917,000
    • Tent Replacement = $5,819,000
    • Pool Renovations = $1,800,000
    • Site Improvements = $553,000
    • Contractor Fees & Contingency = $5,772,000
    • Project Soft Costs = $10,000,000
    • Future Tent Replacement* = $22,806,000

    * 25 year escalation at 3% per year

    Pros:
    • Updated systems & support spaces
    • Lower upfront costs
    Cons:
    • Less programming flexibility
    • Less energy efficient
    • Lower cost recovery
    • Higher long term costs (tent needs to be replaced after 25 years)

  • Concept 2 (Permanent Roof, Enclosed Building)

    Full Replacement, Two Levels

    Site plan showing competition pool, warm water pools, and support spaces
    Pool & Building Square Footage
    • Competition Pool = 6,150 SF
    • Warm Water Pools = 2,300 SF
    • Overall Building Area = 26,000 SF
    Annual Operational Costs:
    • Expense Budget = $1,052,000
    • Revenue Budget = $460,000
    • Operational Subsidy = $(592,000)
    • Cost Recovery = 43.7%

    Total Project Cost =
    $42 – 49 million

    50-Year Total Project Cost =
    $42 – 49 million

    Anticipated Building Lifespan =
    50 years

    Total Project Cost Breakdown:
    • New Building = $18,678,000
    • New Pools = $3,253,000
    • Site Utilities & Improvements = $1,385,000
    • Contractor Fees & Contingency = $9,544,000
    • Project Soft Costs = $14,310,000
    Pros:
    • Better functional flow for safety, accessibility & use
    • Updated systems & support spaces
    • More energy efficient
    • Higher cost recovery
    • More durable roof
    • Lower long term cost
    Cons:
    • Higher upfront cost
    • Relocate existing sewer line

  • Concept 3 (Permanent Roof, Enclosed Building)

    Full Replacement, Single Level

    Site plan showing competition pool, warm water pools, and support spaces
    Pool & Building Square Footage
    • Competition Pool = 6,150 SF
    • Warm Water Pools = 3,500 SF
    • Overall Building Area = 33,100 SF
    Annual Operational Costs:
    • Expense Budget = $1,138,000
    • Revenue Budget = $504,000
    • Operational Subsidy = $(634,000)
    • Cost Recovery = 44.3%

    Total Project Cost =
    $48 – 54 million

    50-Year Total Project Cost =
    $48 – 54 million

    Anticipated Building Lifespan =
    50 years

    Total Project Cost Breakdown:
    • New Building = $20,522,000
    • New Pools = $3,715,000
    • Site Utilities & Improvements = $1,800,000
    • Contractor Fees & Contingency = $10,477,000
    • Project Soft Costs = $16,208,000
    Pros:
    • Better functional flow for safety, accessibility & use
    • Updated systems & support spaces
    • More energy efficient
    • Higher cost recovery
    • More durable roof
    • Lower long term cost
    • One level (no elevator or stairs)
    Cons:
    • Higher upfront cost
    • Larger building footprint (closer to May Street)

  • Share Your Input on Pool Amenities

    Which amenities matter most to you?

    We have heard that there are several wishes for a new center – and unfortunately, we need to prioritize them to keep the construction and maintenance costs down. From the amenities below, select which are most important to you, which you’d like to have, and which are least essential.

    The apples shown with each amenity option represent an approximate cost of each amenity, with 1 apple being the least expensive and 3 apples being most expensive.

    Diving board deep water

    Diving board deep water

    Enhanced recreation pool

    Enhanced recreation pool

    Increased outdoor deck space

    Increased outdoor deck space

    Large operable doors

    Large operable doors

    Larger locker rooms

    Larger locker rooms

    Larger multipurpose rooms

    Larger multipurpose rooms

    Lazy river

    Lazy river

    Medium slide

    Medium slide

    Outdoor splash pad

    Outdoor splash pad

    Retractable roof

    Retractable roof

    Rope swing

    Rope swing

    Sauna

    Sauna

    Skylights

    Skylights

    Small slide

    Small slide

    Water play features

    Water play features
  •  

  • ⚠️ You have spent more than your allowed apples. Please reduce your selections.

  •  

  • ⚠️ You selected Retractable Roof in more than one category. Each amenity can only be placed in one priority group. Please remove the extra selections before submitting.

  • ⚠️ You selected Outdoor Splash Pad in more than one category. Each amenity can only be placed in one priority group. Please remove the extra selections before submitting.

  • ⚠️ You selected Increased Outdoor Deck Space in more than one category. Each amenity can only be placed in one priority group. Please remove the extra selections before submitting.

  • ⚠️ You selected Large Operable Doors in more than one category. Each amenity can only be placed in one priority group. Please remove the extra selections before submitting.

  • ⚠️ You selected Skylights in more than one category. Each amenity can only be placed in one priority group. Please remove the extra selections before submitting.

  • ⚠️ You selected Sauna or Steam Room in more than one category. Each amenity can only be placed in one priority group. Please remove the extra selections before submitting.

  • ⚠️ You selected Small Slide in more than one category. Each amenity can only be placed in one priority group. Please remove the extra selections before submitting.

  • ⚠️ You selected Water Play Features in more than one category. Each amenity can only be placed in one priority group. Please remove the extra selections before submitting.

  • ⚠️ You selected Upgraded Rope Swing in more than one category. Each amenity can only be placed in one priority group. Please remove the extra selections before submitting.

  • ⚠️ You selected Warm Water Pool in more than one category. Each amenity can only be placed in one priority group. Please remove the extra selections before submitting.

  • ⚠️ You selected Diving / Deep Water Activity Area in more than one category. Each amenity can only be placed in one priority group. Please remove the extra selections before submitting.

  • ⚠️ You selected Moving Water / Lazy River in more than one category. Each amenity can only be placed in one priority group. Please remove the extra selections before submitting.

  • ⚠️ You selected Larger Locker Rooms in more than one category. Each amenity can only be placed in one priority group. Please remove the extra selections before submitting.

  • ⚠️ You selected Larger Multi-Purpose Rooms in more than one category. Each amenity can only be placed in one priority group. Please remove the extra selections before submitting.

  • ⚠️ You selected Medium Slide in more than one category. Each amenity can only be placed in one priority group. Please remove the extra selections before submitting.

  • ⚠️ You have spent more than your allowed apples. Please reduce your selections.

  •  

  • ⚠️ You selected Retractable Roof in more than one category. Each amenity can only be placed in one priority group. Please remove the extra selections before submitting.

  • ⚠️ You selected Outdoor Splash Pad in more than one category. Each amenity can only be placed in one priority group. Please remove the extra selections before submitting.

  • ⚠️ You selected Increased Outdoor Deck Space in more than one category. Each amenity can only be placed in one priority group. Please remove the extra selections before submitting.

  • ⚠️ You selected Large Operable Doors in more than one category. Each amenity can only be placed in one priority group. Please remove the extra selections before submitting.

  • ⚠️ You selected Skylights in more than one category. Each amenity can only be placed in one priority group. Please remove the extra selections before submitting.

  • ⚠️ You selected Sauna or Steam Room in more than one category. Each amenity can only be placed in one priority group. Please remove the extra selections before submitting.

  • ⚠️ You selected Small Slide in more than one category. Each amenity can only be placed in one priority group. Please remove the extra selections before submitting.

  • ⚠️ You selected Water Play Features in more than one category. Each amenity can only be placed in one priority group. Please remove the extra selections before submitting.

  • ⚠️ You selected Upgraded Rope Swing in more than one category. Each amenity can only be placed in one priority group. Please remove the extra selections before submitting.

  • ⚠️ You selected Warm Water Pool in more than one category. Each amenity can only be placed in one priority group. Please remove the extra selections before submitting.

  • ⚠️ You selected Diving / Deep Water Activity Area in more than one category. Each amenity can only be placed in one priority group. Please remove the extra selections before submitting.

  • ⚠️ You selected Moving Water / Lazy River in more than one category. Each amenity can only be placed in one priority group. Please remove the extra selections before submitting.

  • ⚠️ You selected Larger Locker Rooms in more than one category. Each amenity can only be placed in one priority group. Please remove the extra selections before submitting.

  • ⚠️ You selected Larger Multi-Purpose Rooms in more than one category. Each amenity can only be placed in one priority group. Please remove the extra selections before submitting.

  • ⚠️ You selected Medium Slide in more than one category. Each amenity can only be placed in one priority group. Please remove the extra selections before submitting.

  • ⚠️ You have spent more than your allowed apples. Please reduce your selections.

  • To record your responses, be sure to click or tap the “Submit” button at the end.

  • Next Steps

    Your feedback matters!

    Your input today will help us with renovation and replacement considerations.

    We will be hosting future In Person and Online Open Houses on the following dates:

    • Winter 2025 - "Test Solutions" Community Meeting #3

    graphic showing project timeline

    Click the image to enlarge in a new tab.

  • Be sure to click or tap “Submit” below to submit your responses.

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