Community group outlines $10M-plus Granite Recreation & Swim Center plan; county offers letters of support

Representatives of a community-led Granite Recreation and Swim Center project called into the Aug. 26 commissioners meeting to introduce a multi-use vision that would include a small swimming pool, splash pad, multipurpose gym for indoor pickleball, a walking track and space for community events and rehabilitation services.

Project president Lisa Stobrakis said the effort is in an early feasibility stage and estimated a full build-out could exceed $10 million. She said the group has engaged a consultant (Scott Carson) and has donors willing to support planning and feasibility work. "We are in that infancy stage and open to any thoughts or suggestions," she said.

Commissioners and staff said the county can offer letters of support for grant applications but cautioned that direct use of general tax dollars or a county contribution toward construction would typically require a voter-approved bond or appropriation and is constrained by current budget priorities. The county noted smaller, targeted contributions can come from restricted funds (for example, parks funds) but that those have limited balances and specific allowable uses.

Why it matters: A community recreation center with a pool and year-round indoor space could affect public health, youth programming and tourism, but its capital cost and ongoing operating subsidies present financing challenges in a small county.

What’s next: The group was encouraged to continue fundraising and planning; commissioners said staff would provide a letter of support on request and that the project could return to the agenda with a consultant presentation when the feasibility study is ready.