Costs:

Current estimates, including the primary amenities requested by the public, put construction costs at ~$7.2 million. In the four years since the election’s very rough estimate of $2 million was suggested, additional detail planning around pool construction has taken place that accounts for rising cost of materials and services.

Initial cost estimates for the pool facility were based on a conceptual design that has seen continued refinement over the past few years. The current cost estimates have been revised to reflect these design refinements, as well as updated construction costs, consultant costs and contingency costs. With the recent retainment of an architectural and engineering firm, the pool’s conceptual design plans will be used to prepare formal development plans and cost estimates.

While we can’t 100% count on them in our calculations, in-kind and at-cost services and materials from local contractors may substantially reduce the ultimate cost.

The ~$7.2 million estimate is based pm pir professional architectural/engineering design work but could be revised until the project is fully funded and construction contracts are in place. The District is committed to moving the project forward as quickly, economically and responsibly as we are able with an expanding team of highly competent professionals.

The District has also received state approval for design/construction process that allows for continual oversight and involvement of the project architect and general contractor to identify cost savings opportunities.

Funding:

The public support for the pool district creation and the levy funded as part of the district creation puts the pool park district in great shape for ongoing pool operations and building a healthy reserve fund, it just does not provide the up front capital funding for pool construction 'now'.

The district is pursuing many grant and funding options to get the pool built as soon as possible - will be pursuing a state bond through the Washington LOCAL Program (this is not a voter bond but a state funded loan program. The LOCAL program provides Washington municipalities with a cost-effective way to finance equipment and/or real estate projects - details here: https://www.tre.wa.gov/local-faq/), as well as many other grant opportunities and funding options including in-kind and local donations.