Public Comment Period for Draft Comprehensive Plan Starts Today!

We’d like to hear from you! Please read the Draft Comprehensive Plan and provide public comment.

The Comprehensive Plan is the preliminary business plan that will explain the scope and cost of the project, along with a projected framework for completion.  The plan will be available for public comment between May 6 (8 AM) and May 14 (5 PM). 

Written comments can be emailed to skiles.wsvp@gmail.com or submitted through a form on the District’s website for consideration at the Public Meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 14, at 7:00 pm, which will be held remotely by Zoom teleconference.

Public comments received as of 5/14 - 5 PM PDT

All comments will be reviewed during the WSVPMPD's regular meeting on Thursday, May 14, and we will compile a single record of comments and responses to be posted on the website post-meeting.
Comments listed with newest received first; will be updated as new comments are received.

Comment	I have lived within the city limits of White Salmon since 1994 (and therefore also live with the “Pool District”). I support the construction, maintenance and operation of a pool that is available for community use. Due to a number of serious surgeries I have experienced since 2006, the need to access a pool became paramount for my recovery. My physical therapists were most earnest in my doing that. I spent a great many hours, days and weeks using the pool in Hood River, mostly during the day. I had the opportunity to experience the good and the not-so-great pool design and use by both young and old. Since I was working with the schools, K-12, I was also able to experience how the local public-school curriculum was being used very effectively (and not). I was also to EXPERIENCE that not only did students need training on safe pool use, but so did the pool staff, their parents/caregivers. Concurrently, it became readily apparent that the operation and maintenance of the pool could have used a 21st century update. One free resource for a 21st Century Update is from the Center for Disease Control. The following is the link to this site, labeled : Healthy Water- https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/ “With its many uses for drinking, recreation, sanitation, hygiene, and industry, water is our most precious global resource. Clean and safe drinking water is critical to sustain human life and without it waterborne illness can be a serious problem. Water, which is necessary for recreational water activities like swimming, also helps promote healthy living. Often, water’s vital role is most apparent during an emergency or disaster. We launched the Healthy Water website to provide answers to your water-related questions.” “The CDC Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) - revised as of 2018- is a voluntary guidance document based on science and best practices that can help local and state authorities and the aquatics sector make swimming and other water activities healthier and safer. States and localities can use the MAHC to create or update existing pool codes to reduce risk for outbreaks, drowning, and pool-chemical injuries. The MAHC guidelines are all-inclusive and address the design, construction, operation, maintenance, policies, and management cutting edge needs of today’s public aquatic facilities.” The CDC site also provides FREE curriculum for students, parents, and the community in general called “Healthy Swimming”. All of this guidance is free, readily accessible and science based in its design. Within that information there is also the following information for Aquatics Professionals: ""From aquatic facility designers to lifeguards, aquatic professionals are the first line of defense against illness and injury at public aquatic venues. The pages below provide information about the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and management of public aquatic venues to assist aquatic professionals in creating and maintaining healthy and safe environments for swimmers of all ages and skill levels.” 1. Design & Construction 2. Operation & Maintenance 3. Policies & Management 4. Regulation & Inspection 5. Model Aquatic Health Code IN ADDITION: If one goes to the Center for Disease Control Website, today, May 14, 2020, the site has been updated to reflect the VERY CURRENT data about COVID-19 and public pools. I would like to suggest that the Board consults these guidelines for this current grant proposal AND ALSO provide the community NOW some tips for upcoming spring and summer water related activities during these troubled times. It will not only bring your proposal into the community’s attention for the future pool, but inform and allay concerns many of us have this 2020 spring, summer and fall. CDC Quote at the top of their May 14, 2020 page” -There is no evidence showing anyone has gotten COVID-19 through drinking water, recreational water, or wastewater. The risk of COVID-19 transmission through water is expected to be low. Get answers to other questions about COVID-19 and water.
Comment	As a homeowner in White Salmon in Klickitat County I look forward to the implementation of the pool replacement project. A pool fills an essential need for our community. We live in a water sports Mecca. Swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, kite boarding , windsurfing, and fishing are all popular recreational activities that make our community so unique. It is critical safety issue that there be lesson programs designed to help both children and adults to learn how to swim. Physical therapists will be using the pool to help those that need to rehab their broken bodies. The pool will become a hub to get together once we get through with the current virus. The pool will include classes in aerobics for different ages. Pools are a great place to go in the summer and just jump in, cool off and enjoy the fact we are alive and live in a paradise.
Comment	I wholeheartedly support the WSVPMPD comprehensive plan to build a new pool. This community pool is necessary for the health of our seniors and children, as well as this of us in our middle years. Water exercise is a cause of wellbeing and peacefulness.
Comment	After having a back injury, I was told water aerobics and swimming were the best and safest ways of exercising for me. I am keeping my fingers crossed we will get a pool, It would be so beneficial to the people of our community!
Comment	This document is well written and encompasses the hard work undertaken over the years. It has my support and I believe it represents the work done, sentiments of the majority of people responding to requests for input. Thank you for the excellent information and document.
Comment	Thank you for all your hard work. For us (approaching our 60's) a saltwater pool with lap lanes would be paramount. Understand the need to share with all age groups and activities. The ability to use year round would be fantastic. And of course this has to be paid for. We are relatively new to WS and did not have the pleasure of using the old pool.
Comment	I am in total support of the pool, in using it regularly, supporting it financially as possible and in paying taxes for it. Our family has used the local pool for 39 years. 5 generations of our family used it, from a visiting 98 year old aunt who swam laps and my mother in her 90's who could keep up on her exercise regimen when here. Our children learned to swim here. I grew up on a mile high lake and taught Red Cross lessons as my first job. We have been involved in some way over the years in every effort to improve and replace the pool and unlike some, I feel that those steps, though frustrating, were not wasted, but paved the way to where we are now. My personal competitive streak came out each spring when season passes became available and I tried to purchase #1. I would often attend both aerobics sessions each day. I loved seeing the children in classes, the camaraderie with other adults, a good bit of laughter and cheer as well as keeping up with community goings-on. I feel that a pool is an integral part of our community health, education, recreation and safety. It offers education to citizens and visitors of all ages, abilities and finances, through the school and through generous clubs and groups. it will be an asset to people coming into our community to live as well as to visit and it will be supported by our medical community for therapy. I applaud every person who has brought this effort to the current state, including those who have questioned it at every level. The current commissioners have given much of their lives to bringing us here. Let's jump in!
Comment	I am so impressed with the group of skilled and hardworking individuals. The plan represents the history of the city pool and other facilities in the area. One comment I want to make about the utilization of the Hood River pool last year is that there are many residents of White Salmon and Bingen that have passes to the Hood Rive pool. Those folks are not represented in the data as they did not utilize the punch cards. I believe there is significant interest and excitement for a facility that can be used throughout the lifespan for recreation and fitness. I support this plan.
Comment	I strongly support this plan for a community pool in White Salmon. Every age person can enjoy a pool, and benefit physically and emotionally. We especially need a pool so our kids can learn to swim.
Comment	I appreciate the efforts put forth by the Commissioners to bring the Comprehensive Plan forward to this point. That said, I think it is not appropriate to seek public input and hold a “virtual” meeting in the midst of the continuing Covid crisis. While I understand that the Commissioners have made arrangements for both telephonic and video participation, such considerations do not take into account the extreme rural nature of many WSVMPD residents who either lack “connectivity” or the ability to participate. Further, the WSVMPD has almost entirely relied on “Social Media” to keep residents involved without regard for the fact that many residents do not have Social Media acumen. Under the current Washington State Governor’s Emergency Proclamation pertaining to Covid-19 and the Washington State Open Public Meetings Act… “agencies are prohibited from taking “action” as defined in the OPMA unless the matters are “necessary and routine matters or are matters necessary to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak and the current public health emergency,” until the Governor restores the regular operation of the OPMA”. I trust that the Commissioners have been advised by counsel that taking “action” such as approving the proposed “Plan” is in accordance with both the Governor’s Emergency Proclamation and guidance recently provided by the Washington State Attorney General. Further, the meeting forum must allow for all participants to, at a minimum, hear all comments and Commissioners responses. The “Plan” itself goes to great lengths to discuss the long period of time the “Pool” has been discussed and the “importance” to the community. To limit public input and comment by proceeding during this crisis is unfair to both supporters and critics alike. The public input and participation is essential and should not be limited by current events. Lastly, the “optics” of holding a hearing to discuss this type project at a time when priorities for many are focused on health and economic well-being is just wrong! Covid-19 Considerations and Implications: The final preparation of the “Plan” was accomplished within the last 60 days and obviously in the midst of the Covid-19 Pandemic Crisis. That said, the “Plan” gives no mention or consideration of these events (or a similar pandemic crisis) on the “Strategy” for the Pool. The critical issue of changes in public health requirements and the entire concept of “Social Distancing” will have to be carefully evaluated. I would direct the Commissioners attention to the following: https://www.nrpa.org/blog/coronavirus-what-impact-will-covid-19-have-on-parks-and-recreation/. At a minimum the Commissioners should engage a specific discussion on critical health, environmental and fund raising issues that will impact this strategic endeavor. Further, the Commissioners owe a duty to the community to at least engage in a discussion to consider a strategy of using public funds and proceeding ahead with a leisure time project on the cusp of a major economic slowdown. Is the “pool” the most critical use of funds, resources and public attention? How do the Commissioners respond to those in our community who have been so adversely impacted by this pandemic? Under existing MPD Legislation a simple majority vote of the Commissioners could result in the dissolution of the MPD and return public funds to be used for more critical issues and needs. Also, in regard to Covid-19, the Washington Governors Office has indicated that as of May 2020, Washington State will be facing—at a minimum—a $7 Billion (Billion) short-fall in the budget. As such all programs, grants and other State assistance will most likely be substantially reduced or eliminated. Has this economic eventuality been considered in the “Plan”. Specific Comments/Questions and Request for Clarification: Chapter 4—Public Involvement Substantially all of the information/analyses and surveys included relate to the pre-WSVMPD time-frame. While the information may have relevance for guiding discussions, it does not accurately reflect the input of a substantial population of District Residents and should not be relied on for a basis of strategy and planning. The prior surveys conducted by the City of White Salmon were specifically targeted to existing pool users (surveys were handed out at the pool). The WSVMPD Board is suggesting that the outdated input of 400+ respondents (out of a District population of 7,700–or 5%) should be considered of not only indicative but definitive of the community (at large) needs. The prior surveys had a specific target in mind, lacked any statistical validity and presented preconceived conclusions. They were all “City” centric and focused. No independent unbiased effort was made to solicit input from any non-pool users or engage discussion with the now, as defined, WSVMPD. Other than the WSVMPD “Pioneer Pizza” gathering (attended by 40 people) the district has not actively sought input from the entire resident population about the pool. The WSVMPD has relied almost entirely on “Social Media” for communication, input and participation which is unfair to a large segment of the district population. The Plan makes reference in several places that over 60% voted to support the pool. While this is an accurate statement, what is more accurate is that only 3,500 total votes were cast with only 2,139 voting “yes” and 1,419 voting “no”. With 7,700 residents it is far from a given that “outpouring”, “overwhelming” and “significant” should be used to describe public sentiment, especially when only 400 people even participated in any survey. The pool has historically suffered from the lack of a viable financial model to sustain operations or make capital improvements. The formation of the WSVMPD was an attempt to tap a larger tax base to solve these issues. This “Plan”, as drafted, does not explain strategically how the financial approach will change nor does it address the fundamental underlying economic hurdles that must be overcome. Somehow the Commissioners have ignored the failed past history of the pool and appear to be building a strategy based upon past failures not new concepts and ideas. Chapter 5—Demands and Needs Analysis The numbers and statistics presented in this section are inappropriately characterized. The usage statistics are inappropriately presented. The total number of users in the 2018-19 Season (of approximately 90 days) of 7,129 in fact represents an average daily usage of approximately 80 people. The Plan compares the 7,129 usage to a total district population of 7,712. Why? The % of the population using the pool on any given day represents less than 2% of the population. The same is true in regard to the Water Aerobics statistics. 1,100 users over 90 days equals approximately 12 per day. No pool would be economically feasible at this level of usage. A more meaningful strategic analysis would be to present what might be the normal optimum daily pool capacity for a new facility and then determine whether such level of usage will support the investment and operating expenses. Strategically determining optimum usage will provide needed guidance on the underlying economics of setting admission rates (which the “Plan” completely ignores), determining the operating hours and days as well as the critical cost elements for staffing, etc. The “Plan” references that over 91% of certain survey respondents said they would use the pool at least one time per month. If you extrapolate the 91% to the district population of 7,700 then you would expect usage to be, at a minimum, 21,000 users (or 200+ users per day for an 90 day season) for the most recent season (7,700 X 91% X 3 months), not the actual usage of 7,127! Never in the history of the pool have users of this number been experienced. This is just another example of the inappropriate emphasis placed on invalid survey results. Simply, we should not be building a pool to serve less than 100 people per day. The factual numbers fail to support the critical or essential need for this level of public investment. While a Comprehensive Plan should provide a strategic roadmap, it should also consider the fundamental economic reality of the WSVMPD. Yes, there is a tax levy in place, but will it be sufficient to provide funding for both construction and operation. The Plan makes clear that efforts have been ongoing for over 35 years, but each and every attempt has apparently failed because a viable plan and needed funding could never be secured or expectations never met. Simply, what is new about this Plan that has not been tried before—except now there is a tax levy? Or is it more accurate to say that there has never been nor will there ever be overwhelming public support or the dire need for this type of facility. Thank you for your consideration and attention to these comments.
Comment	Excellent! As a resident of White Salmon since 1984 I applaud the efforts and ongoing commitment of the White Salmon Valley Pool Metro Park District. We raised our two daughters here and the presence of a community pool was always an important part of our lives. Once they were grown and moved on in their careers the pool became an important fitness activity for me in providing water aerobics classes The number of years that we have limped along with the original pool and the increase in members’ use has been amazing. We are long overdue for a new community pool and this plan has us on the right road. I want to thank all those who have tirelessly stayed committed to making this happen.
Comment	My husband and I are in full support of a Saltwater Pool plan for White Salmon. We are appalled that it has taken so long to replace the pool and that Klickitat County has given us so little support on this project. We have lived here for 29 years and raised 2 children in this community. Both of us worked full time here in White Salmon as an educator and CFP ( my husband still runs his business ). Our community has grown so much over the last 29 years and building a new pool facility plus a real community center (Basketball courts, stage, pool, etc.) is essential and necessary for our youth and adults. This facility is vital in supporting a healthy community!! As well, we look at it as a natural improvement of infrastructure to keep up with the needs of the community. I think it is ridiculous that I had to take my own kids across the River to another state for swimming lessons and swim team!!! I also love to swim and don’t swim as much because every time I go to Hood River to swim it upsets me that out town doesn’t have anything close to this!! After almost 30 years here I still can’t understand why it seems to me that much of our tax money goes to the other side of the county!! Family and friends come to visit and comment, it’s beautiful here but where are your community facilities and why do you have to drive across the River on a 3rd world Bridge? We support both a pool (year round would be preferable) and a community center. I can volunteer my time to help within these 2 facilities with education, swimming, crafts, and more.
Comment	When I moved to White Salmon as a young mother, I was so thrilled to find out that there was a sweet little community pool. Over the years, the pool was a key recreational resource for our family, offering safe, healthy and social activites for our kids. We brought lunches & snacks, taking breaks on the grass just outside the pool fence. It was heaven to visit with other parents, knit, read, watch the kids enjoy splashing in the shallow area when little, and advancing into the deeper sections as their skills improved. Every summer, no matter the weather, we signed up the kids for swimming lessons. The lifeguards did a good job coaching the kids in the basics of water safety, floating, then the more complicated strokes. Before the solar units were installed, those 9 am lessons turned the kids lobster-red, but we were all proud of the kids when they passed each level, and called ourselves Northwest Tough. Raise your hand if you, a loved one or friend celebrated a birthday at the pool. Raise your hand if you took a lesson there or did a cannon ball, or flirted, or just stared up at the clouds, at the pool. So, even a decade ago, when we heard that our pool needed major repairs, our family stepped forward to volunteer & make donations. I know lots of other families & businesses that did the same. We were all worried that our beloved pool would close forever. In 2015, I heard that with enough signatures, the community could vote on a Park District, with assured funding to build & maintain a pool, I jumped on it and went all over getting signatures. It was deeply gratifying to see the votes tallied and the overwhelming support for the new WSV Pool District. This Comp Plan represents a lot of work on the part of our elected Pool Board. In each section, the voice of the voters is clearly expressed. The People want a pool. There is a budget for its construction and maintenance. There are tremendous opportunities for community involvement: donations of funds, volunteerism, in-like contributions of materials, equipment, skilled and unskilled labor. This is the same type of community-based action that created the first pool in 1930. This is a sensible and reasonable community supported project. I like how well the Goals and Plan envisions that sense of "Shared Community" which makes White Salmon such a wonderful place to live. At the age of 70+, I have loved and benefited from our original pool. As a form of exercise for old joints, there's not much better than water exercise. I want to thank the Pool Board for there many, many hours of work to reach this important stage. I look forward to pitching in when you call for volunteers, You can count on my shovel, my wallet and my time.
Comment	Thank you for the opportunity to comment. I applaud the efforts of the District Commissioners for the scope and detail of this plan. I read through each page. To be honest, it is an overwhelming task to sort out viable and useful feedback. I sincerely appreciate the comments from one reviewer that walked detail through detail in comparing numbers and potentially contradictory statements. I would urge the Commissioners to thoughtfully consider those comments and make appropriate recognition or adjustment as necessary. The bottom line for me is...I want a pool in our community. I am willing to be taxed to both build and operate a pool. I believe it is one of the important cornerstones to a healthy community. Our ""district"" is challenged in so many ways and a pool may seem like a luxury, an unnecessary engagement in elite pastime. Personally I don't see it that way. I see it as a vital link to the health and well being of citizens. Our ""district"" is economically disadvantaged and that has only been made worse by the recent Pandemic. While building the pool may have to be rescheduled to a time when maximum use is probable (Pandemic under control), I urge the District to continue to move forward with gaining necessary approvals and continuing to inform the public regarding progress. Thank you for the effort and dedication you are putting forth on behalf of the citizens of the district.
Comment	When the White Salmon Pool was functioning for the recent years of 2013 to 2018 I was a water aerobics instructor there and went to the pool on average six days a week. I didn't teach class every day, but on days I didn't teach I attended another class or went and did my own workout in the pool. I find an outdoor pool to be very enticing. I remember summers in the pool near my home in Pennsylvania. I fondly remember playing with friends, and training and competing in summer swim competitions. My sons took lessons at an outdoor pool near our neighborhood and the friends we all met during lessons continued into the school year. A swimming pool is an integral part of a community. As was stated in this document, we live around a lot of water sources. Knowing how to swim is a must for water safety. I support a pool in our community and know that it will be used by many residents. The staff has been well trained and I felt very comfortable attending a facility with such strong safety guidelines. A bit longer season can help with lessons in late May early June, or even September to teach students in the early school years swim and water safety lessons. I am in full support of a pool in the White Salmon community and know that it will be an integral part of our community for years to come.
Comment	You stated that the draft comprehensive plan is the business plan that will explain the scope and cost of the project along with a projected framework for completion. However, this plan does not adequately address the cost or the timeframe of the pool construction. Specifically: Chapter 6 states that the construction costs will be $2.5MM based on a concept facility design that originated from earlier studies. You later state that the current costs contemplate the current concept design. Please clarify exactly what study the cost estimate was based upon and in what year it was done. How did you modify the prior cost estimates for the new pool design? Who performed the current cost estimate? When the pool was included in the November 2018 Klickitat County ballot measure you stated that the costs would be less than $2MM and you had $0.6MM in committed funds. The committed funds never appeared and now the cost estimate has increased by $0.5MM. Thus we now have a $1.1MM fundraising gap from what you stated in November 2018. How can we be confident that the cost estimate of $2.5MM is a good number? I understand your comment that the dollar amount will change as the project progresses but how can we be confident that the $2.5MM cost estimate is even in the ballpark? The project schedule at Table 6a gives no indication of when you might be able to start construction. How much money do you need before you can begin Construction Phase 1 for example? In Section 6.3 you state “if grants and contributions cannot meet projected goals, the District will review borrowing options within current levy funding.” Please clarify your expectations. Do you foresee borrowing against the property tax levy through a bond measure? Wouldn’t this require voter approval? Have you consulted with the County’s attorney or other government officials to determine what steps need to be taken to borrow money? Community Support and donations – In Section 6.3.3 you state that during 2019 and 2020 donations from NGO sources totaled $54,400. Per Table 6b for your projected revenue you have estimated contributions of $185,000 in 2021, $250,000 in 2022 and $180,000 in 2023 which is a significant increase over the funds you have collected in the past 2 years. Please explain how the contributions will more than triple in the next 3 years, especially given the situation in the economy right now with Covid 19. The District is applying for an RCO grant of $500,000 through the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition grant program. This grant specifically states that indoor facilities such as community centers and swimming and therapy pools are ineligible. Why do you believe this grant is feasible given that this project includes an indoor facility? In addition, the 2015 survey said that 80% wanted an indoor pool which is not possible under this grant program. This program seems to be geared to buying land for parks and developing trails. Doesn’t this pool project fall under the YAF (Youth Athletic Facilities) program where swimming pools are specifically mentioned? Please explain the rationale for applying for the current grant program versus other programs that seem more suited and thus more obtainable. In Section 6.1 you state that “detailed engineering and construction cost estimates will be made following District design approval of the facility.” Please explain the requirements of the District to hold additional public comment meetings to approve the final cost estimates that you will obtain after this design is approved. For example, I would think that additional meetings and comments would be needed if the final cost estimate you get is significantly greater than your current estimate (for which you have not provided any support). On the last page you stated that the adopted resolution for the May 21, 2020 meeting is attached. It is not attached.