Here’s your chance to weigh in on a possible aquatics center in the Olympia area
The city of Olympia may be moving a step or two closer to having a public pool and other aquatic facilities to use whether it’s rain or shine.
Representatives from Olympia’s Parks and Recreation department are hosting a virtual public meeting from 6-7 p.m. Oct. 28 to see the conceptual vision for a Regional Aquatic Facility. There also will be a question-and-answer session.
This meeting comes after the city set aside money in 2018 for an aquatic facility feasibility study. The results of one of two studies were published and presented in September. It included two options for the physical layout of a future aquatic facility, both of which featured large indoor spaces with classrooms and party rooms, a lazy river, lap pools and other entertainment features.
The city of Olympia hired a consulting team led by architectural firm Barker Rinker Seacat to conduct the feasibility study. And, with there being no municipal swimming facilities in Thurston County, the city has partnered with the city of Tumwater and other regional partners to assess the need for an aquatic facility.
The second survey, open until Nov. 22, is designed to gather feedback on what residents specifically want out of an aquatic center. The survey has responses broken down by Olympia, Tumwater and North Thurston school districts.
According to the city of Olympia’s information page on the aquatic facility, it’s possible that once the study is completed, it will determine an aquatic facility isn’t feasible.
But if the facility is deemed feasible, the Olympia Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee will provide a recommendation to the City Council on proposed next steps. Those include choosing a site for the facility, mapping expenses and figuring out how the cities involved can work together to keep it running.
Those interested in attending next week’s meeting can register online.
This story was originally published October 19, 2021 at 3:50 PM.
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