PORT TOWNSEND — A group with plans to build a 40,000 square foot aquatic recreational center approached Jefferson Transit board Tuesday with a proposal to put it on property owned by transit and the Port of Port Townsend.
The proposed site straddles property where Transit’s Haines Place Park and Ride and the Port’s Kah Tai Lagoon Nature Park are located at 12th and Haines streets. The port’s Kah Tai park lease with the city ends in 2012.
The group also has talked with Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce about sharing space at the future aquatic center for a visitor center and office space.
Jefferson Transit board agreed to place the proposal on a future agenda for further discussion.
Under the proposal, the Haines Place Park and Ride — which has free parking for 250 vehicles and is the transit hub for the county — would provide about 150 parking spaces for the future aquatic recreation center.
“Basically, you guys are the key to making this happen,” said Make Waves! steering committee vice president David Hero.
“You control Transit with 2½ acres of parking that is under-utilized at this point.”
Adding a “dry side” with workout equipment and space for non-swimming activities would be needed to make the facility financially successful, Make Waves! leaders said.
The Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center thrives by having expanded its non-pool fitness facilities since the mid-1990s, said Sam Shoen, Make Waves! lead strategist.
The proposed pool would be modeled after the Sequim center, a center in Whitefish, Mont., and one in Bend, Ore., said Harriet Capron, Make Waves! board secretary.
Planned is an eight-lane, 25 meter pool that conforms to international standards, Capron said.
An indoor track for walker, joggers and baby strollers is also proposed.
In addition, the center would have a therapy pool, multipurpose room, basketball court, aerobics/yoga room, Jacuzzi, sauna, climbing wall and rooms for cardio and muscle resistance equipment.
Disabled access would be guaranteed along with day care for children too young to use the facility, she said.
