Council asks staff to solicit reuse ideas for old recreation center amid high renovation costs

Council directed staff to pursue feasibility and market interest for alternative uses of the existing recreation and swim complex after a lengthy public exchange about options and costs.

Staff summarized the site's history, the 56‑acre property swap with El Dorado County and permit constraints: a ground lease requires demolition of the existing rec center within 15 years of the 2022 agreement, TRPA permit conditions limit future operations without a change of use application, and prior condition assessments identified asbestos and lead that would need to be addressed if renovation proceeds. Short‑term maintenance was estimated at roughly $775,000 annually; full renovation estimates ranged in staff and public comments from several million up to $10–20 million depending on scope.

Public commenters and nonprofit representatives proposed uses including a Boys & Girls Club gym, a youth/community arts center, senior programs, a makerspace, or converting the site to affordable housing after demolition. Several speakers emphasized the site's size and potential as civic or cultural anchor space; others urged demolition and reuse of the parcel for civic needs such as a city hall or housing.

Council action: The council voted to direct staff to explore feasibility, solicit interest from community groups for leasing or use at cost recovery, engage with TRPA on permit/mitigation questions and evaluate partial demolition scenarios (for example removing the pool portion while preserving dry‑floor spaces). Staff will return with findings and any community proposals.