Friends of the Pool, the nonprofit that is spearheading an effort to replace the Wagner Memorial Pool in Twisp with a year-round facility, will host a community meeting to present an update on a feasibility study of possible replacement scenarios.
The meeting will be on Wednesday, Jan. 18, in the Winthrop library public meeting room from 7-8:30 p.m.
Thanks to a donation from the Philadelphia Foundation, Friends of the Pool was able to conduct an in-depth feasibility study led by Ballard*King and Associates, a recreation consulting firm. The study’s purpose was to gather public input, scope a project and understand the necessary building and operational costs associated with a new pool.
Friends of the Pool was formed in 2005 to support the Wagner Memorial Pool, which is owned and operated by the Town of Twisp, but is used by residents from throughout the Methow Valley and visitors.
Over the years the nonprofit group has raised and given more than $400,000 for pool repairs and operating expenses, basically keeping the aging pool operating. Its current efforts are focused on replacing the pool, as studies determined that the costs of repairs might exceed replacement costs for the 55-year-old facility.
Friends of the Pool began hosting meetings in 2020 with valley residents to explore ideas for a new pool, and the foundation gift allowed the organization to hire Ballard*King to conduct the feasibility study on building and funding a new facility.
When the consultants presented several alternatives for a new swimming pool to community members at a meeting in 2022, their response was overwhelmingly in support of an indoor pool. There was no expressed support for a strictly outdoor facility.
To join the Jan. 18 meeting virtually, find a link at www.foptwisp.org/events-upcoming.
