South Whidbey recreation center plan sunk by voters

The South Whidbey Parks & Recreation District proposal to build a $15.2 million pool and recreation center was rejected by voters Tuesday, losing by a decisive 5,759 votes against 2,702 in favor for the center, or 62 percent against and 37 percent for, in early vote returns.

Because it was a general obligation bond, the district needed at least 60-percent approval rate for passage.

Port Commissioner Linda Kast said it's safe to say the park district will be reevaluating its plans based on the results.

"We made our decision to ask voters for a bond long before the economy tanked," she said. "We did our best to make the recreation center affordable. This is unfortunate, but not a surprise."

Park commissioners had said the tax levy impact would have added 17.4 cents per $1,000 of assessed property tax value to property owners over the next 20 years. A home worth $300,000 will see an added monthly cost of $4.32, or $51.90 per year.

If the measure had passed, the recreation and aquatic center would have been built next to the Community Park's entrance on Maxwelton Road.

The draft plan from ORB Architects included an outdoor, heated six-lane lap pool, indoor leisure pool with water slide, changing rooms, hot tub, two multi-purpose rooms for parties, offices, a small kitchen, outdoor basketball court, fitness center and site work for a future tennis center.

Kast couldn't say if the parks district would seek a second try at the ballot box.

"That's a tough call and we need to examine the results," Kast said.

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