Lopez Swim Center asks LTAC for $55,000 to seed year‑round aquatic facility

The Lopez Swim Center asked the San Juan County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee for $55,000 in seed funding to support marketing, staffing and a membership/tracking database ahead of a late‑winter/early‑spring opening.

A presenter for the swim center described the project as Lopez Island’s first year‑round recreational facility, featuring two pools (a lap pool and a warm water wellness pool), partnerships with the Lopez Island School District for free K–12 lessons and with Lopez Island Physical Therapy for aquatic therapy. The facility is planned to be enclosed in winter under a dome and open‑air in summer to extend off‑season visitation.

“Again, we are asking for 55,000, which is a lot, but I understand it’s a seed — it’s ground up seed funding,” the presenter said. They added that the organization has raised roughly $11,000,000 toward capital costs and expects operating revenues to rely primarily on user fees (about 85%), with donations comprising the remainder.

Committee members asked whether the center can secure alternative grants and whether LTAC funds represent a sustainable source for operating subsidies. The presenter said the center will continue pursuing grants and donors, and that LTAC dollars would be seed funds for marketing, staffing and data systems to demonstrate lodging impacts. A council member offered to recuse from a vote if involvement in the project warranted it.

Why it matters: LTAC prioritizes investments that increase lodging nights and distribute visitor spending into shoulder seasons. A year‑round aqua facility could anchor off‑season packages, attract families and support local lodging and restaurants, but committee members emphasized the need for transparent tracking of heads‑and‑beds and return‑on‑investment data.

What’s next: LTAC requested additional budget detail and metrics on projected lodging nights and operating scenarios before finalizing any award.