Bainbridge Island bond tied to pool expansion failing to generate enough support

Initial returns from Tuesday's election have Bainbridge Island voters turning down a $10 million bond tied to the Bainbridge Island Aquatic Center.

Vote totals from the Kitsap County Auditor show the resolution receiving just 52% approval (2,435 'yes' votes to 2,247 'no' votes), well short of the 60% supermajority required for the bond to pass.

"We thought this proposal was at least worthy of asking the community," said Dan Hamlin, executive director of the Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park District, which owns and operates the two-pool aquatic center under a lease with Bainbridge Island School District. "Pools are tough. They are expensive to own and operate."

The park district's board of commissioners approved putting the $10 million bond on the ballot May 2, with a goal of "renovating, rehabilitating, reconstructing, refurbishing, expanding and undertaking other improvements to the existing aquatic center, including the 54-year-old Ray Williamson Pool and related capital facilities."

On May 16, the board passed a motion that specified the bond's intent: expanding the Ray pool from six to eight lanes and creating a uniform pool depth of six-and-a-half feet. The Ray pool functions as the center's primary lap pool and is home for the high school swim/dive and water polo teams, the Bainbridge Island Swim Club and the Bainbridge Aquatic Masters team. The Don Nakata pool features four lanes and focuses on recreation swimming and lessons.

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Despite the bond measure likely headed for failure, the park district is committed to roughly $5.8 million in upgrades at the aquatic center, including architectural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical and safety systems; renovation of offices/utility rooms; and new windows. Upgrades for the Ray pool include a deck replacement, new pool liner, new filtration system and new natatorium windows and doors.

The park district expects to pay for those upgrades with up to $2.5 million in reserves and up to $3.5 million in loans. The first phase of renovations is expected to begin this fall and continue into 2025.

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Bainbridge pool expansion bond falling short of votes to pass