Pool Replacement Project History
Mt. Adams Park and Recreation District (MAPARD) – 2010–2017
2010: Voters approved forming MAPARD to replace the aging White Salmon pool with a modern aquatic center.
However, the companion levy to fund it failed.
By 2017, two more MAPARD levy attempts were also rejected. The likely issue: the district boundaries included voters too far from White Salmon to support a local pool project.
Still, MAPARD commissioned two early feasibility studies:
2012 Enterprise Plan (for USA Swimming): estimated $3.0M for a full facility with four pools, cover, and support spaces.
2013 TSE Aquatic Feasibility Study: similar cost estimates, funded by about $12,500 in community donations (“Splash for Cash”).
Private Donation Sparks Momentum – 2014
A $55,000 gift from the Bruce & Mary Stevenson Foundation allowed the City to hire Wellman Associates to study options for replacing the pool.
Wellman Pool Feasibility Study – 2015–2016
Part 1 (2015): $22,500 study with community workshops and survey input. Key findings:
The old pool had reached the end of its life — not worth repairing.
Build a new, efficient pool at a new site (not in the city park).
Covering could be phased in later.
Evaluate School District land near Whitson Elementary.
Part 2 (2016): $26,270 study focused on the Whitson site.
City and School District agreed to a land swap (old pool site → school; new site across from Whitson → pool).
Agreement required paved parking for the school and demolition of the old pool by 2021.
Yost Grube Hall Design & Operations Study – 2017
Contracted for schematic design ($169,400) and an operations study ($16,500).
Initial construction estimate: $5.9M → trimmed to $3.5M by removing therapy pool, splash pad, and reducing contingency.
Result: about 30% of a pool design complete.
Alternative Approach: WM Smith & Associates – 2017
Mayor Poucher learned of a lower-cost pool model built in Tonasket, WA.
WMS quote: $1.2–$1.5M for a 6-lane, 25-yard pool.
But assumed the community would cover costs for excavation, parking, and demolition (including asbestos removal).
Offered to draw up plans for $1,500–$2,000.
Levy Keeps Old Pool Afloat – 2017
November 2017: Voters approved a 1-year levy (18¢/$1,000 AV) to keep the old pool open for the 2018 season.
Community Partners Proposal – 2017–2018
A local nonprofit group offered to take over funding and construction, leveraging donations, grants, and volunteer labor to cut costs.
While supported by city leadership, the idea was ultimately rejected in April 2018 on legal advice.
WMS Aquatics Design – 2018
June 2018: City Council approved up to $25,000 for full pool design work from WMS Aquatics.
By July, WMS advised pausing design until after the upcoming election on creating a Metropolitan Park District (MPD), since the MPD would hold final authority.
Proposition No. 1: Formation of the White Salmon Valley Pool MPD – 2018
November 2018: Voters approved creating the White Salmon Valley Pool Metropolitan Park District, covering the White Salmon Valley School District area within Klickitat County.
The MPD was granted taxing authority to build, operate, and maintain a new community pool.
Levy rate set at 25¢ per $1,000 AV.
Five commissioners were elected at large to govern the district.
This step fulfilled the Wellman Study’s recommendation to spread costs beyond city limits to the wider valley.