Mendocino Coast Recreation & Park District: Aquatic Center

Site preparation began in August 2005 and was completed November 2005. While site preparation was underway, the District pre-qualified prospective bidders for construction and the District Board accepted a bid of $12.9 million from BRCO Constructors, Inc. in May, 2006.

In June, 2006 and into 2007 construction began, starting with the foundation. 104 sixteen-foot piles were driven into the ground, rebar was installed, and 250 cubic yards of concrete was poured. 18 foot tall columns that will support the roof were installed and concrete block walls that will house the pools were erected. The huge prefabricated galvanized roof trusses arrived. They were welded together on site and span 106 feet across after installation. Work is currently underway to close in the building by completing the metal roof and siding. Once the roof and skylight is installed, the pool excavation may begin.

There are local contractors working on this project, including Fort Bragg Electric. They have installed a huge amount of conduit underground and up into the walls. Gale Van Curen Plumbing of Mendocino is currently installing the plumbing, a significant part of all pool projects.

2. When will the C.V. Starr Community Center and Spath Aquatics Facility be complete?

The Mendocino Coast Recreation and Parks District Board of Directors made the decision to phase the project in much the same way as other local projects have been done, such as Timberwolf Stadium. Following this model of success, MCRPD has been able to move forward with construction. If the fundraising efforts are successful, we could see the doors open as early as fall, 2008.

3. Where is the new Aquatic and Recreation Center located?

The C.V. Starr Community Center is located on the site of the former Green Memorial Field, at the intersection of Maple and Lincoln Streets in Fort Bragg, CA. It is located in the most densely populated area of the District and is close to schools and the senior center, on a public transportation route and accessible by bicycle and foot.

4. Who will be able to use the facility?

The facility will be open to the public: both residents and visitors to the coast. MCRPD's resident rates will be comparable to present fees. People of all ages and abilities will be able to use the facility due to the thoughtful design of the Center's features, such as the zero-depth entry into the leisure pool and the eight-lane, competition lap pool.

5. Why do we need this new Aquatic and Recreation Center?

The existing Recreation Center is dilapidated due to its age and heavy use. After nearly 100 years of use, the current swimming pool is no longer able to serve our needs. It is deteriorating rapidly, and it is extremely expensive to operate and difficult to maintain. Our community has outgrown this 85-year-old facility. The new Center will meet present and future needs.

6. Why is this Community Center so much larger than the current Recreation Center?

Throughout the conceptual design phase, MCRPD identified the community needs through public forums and assessments. In addition, MCRPD employed the Sports Management firm to conduct a market analysis to identify the activities and level of use needed to maintain this type of facility, meet the needs of our community, and support its operation. When complete, this facility will be able to provide the level and diversity of services our community requires from a Community Center now and in the future, and will also support the growing visitor population to the coast.

7. Are we being taxed to pay for the new Aquatic and Recreation Center?

No. This Center is being funded largely by gifts and grants, without any increase to local property or sales taxes. There are no planned tax increases to operate the facility.

8. How can I be involved in the planning?

You are encouraged to participate in the MCRPD Board meetings, held on the third Wednesday of every month. You can give Board members your comments by mailing them to MCRPD Board of Directors, 213 E. Laurel Street, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, or by email to mcrpdboard@mcn.org, or call the Recreation District Office at 964-9674.

9. What is our fundraising goal?

We can take great pride in our ongoing commitment to this project! More than $11 million has been raised from local individuals, government entities and foundations. However, due to the difficulty in anticipating future bids, the District is phasing the project, with the goal of first completing the aquatic facility, and then completing the other components of the Community Center as funding allows. The long-term goal is completion of the entire recreational facility, including a gymnasium.

10. What can I do to help complete our new Community Center?

There are many ways you can help in the completion of our Community Center: make a direct one-time gift, pay out a pledge over a period of up to 5 years, participate in the planned giving program, or donate building materials. If you would like more information about making a donation, please call the Recreation District Office at 964-9674, and we will create a personalized program that works best for you.

11. Are contributions tax deductible?

Yes. Contributions made to "Mendocino Coast Recreation and Park District" and to "Friends of Mendocino Coast Recreation and Park District" are generally tax-deductible.