About the New Facility

Additional site space

In 2019, Russ and Kim Jeter donated property on J Avenue to Fidalgo Pool & Fitness Center to provide more opportunities for the new facility to better serve Anacortes. The community was excited about the new land and the possibilities to best utilize the new footprint.

Design elements identified

The pool has worked with community members to identify all desired elements of the design for the new facility. Each element of design has been discussed to make sure it is a benefit to the community.

Site design and cost analysis are next

Once the elements of design were finalized, the next step was working with ARC Architects for a site design. Fidalgo Pool & Fitness Center has an established relationship with ARC Architects, which designed the first plans for the new Fidalgo Aquatic & Fitness Center. Updated design plans can be found here (Link to design plan). We will also be working with TRICO Companies for a cost analysis.

Next, we will reinstate a capital campaign to raise more funds from individuals, businesses, and grants to lessen the cost to taxpayers when they are asked to approve a bond measure.

Proposed Metropolitan Park District and working with the City of Anacortes and Skagit County

Uncertainty over whether the Park District will have continued funding affects the District’s ability to look ahead and plan for the future. Since our inception in 1975, the Park District has operated under a tax structure that relies upon the passage of Maintenance and Operations levies every six years to obtain funding for basic continued operations. This also limits the financing options for larger projects as financial institutions have issue with the District’s financial ambiguity.

The City of Anacortes approved a resolution placing the creation of a Metropolitan Park District on a ballot. The county has also approved the resolution. If voters ultimately approve the proposal, the new Metropolitan Park District will replace the current Park and Recreation District that operates the Fidalgo Pool and Fitness Center. A Metropolitan Park District is not required to go to the voters every six years for a levy to fund the Operations and Maintenance budget, but it is still restricted to the 1% increase limit each year unless voters approve a greater increase.

The creation of the Metropolitan Park District will not fund a new facility. What it will do is provide a stable and predictable financial position for the District moving forward, for the current facility and any new facility. Any funding required for construction of a new facility would need to go to the voters as a separate issue. The management of the District would remain the same with an elected five-commissioner board that is separate from the city.

About Fidalgo Pool & Fitness Center

Fidalgo Pool & Fitness Center (“FPFC”) has been a treasured multi-generational recreation and fitness facility in our community since 1975. Our youngest patron is six months old and our oldest patron has been 97. We provide all kinds of pool activities, group fitness classes, and strength training activities to thousands of people each year, helping them stay fit, have fun, learn skills and meet personal goals through competitive, therapeutic and recreational activities, services and programs, including:

Swim Lessons. Over 1,200 lessons annually to residents of all ages, imparting this vital life skill. A program with Island View third-grade and special-needs students, expanding to all district third-graders next school year.
Youth Programs. Daily recreational swims, combining fun with exercise, to generations of community youngsters. A professionally-coached in-house swim team, ages 6-18, teaching kids competitive and team-building skills. Scholarship programs for disadvantaged youth, allowing all to participate.
A Place to Meet and Stay Fit. 1,300 check-ins per week. A place to gather and socialize, providing a sense of purpose and belonging, while meeting personal fitness goals along the way.
Effective Partnerships. Physical therapy support through Anacortes Physical Therapy, kayaking and scuba training skills with local providers and agencies, Anacortes High School swim team practices and meets.

The Challenge

Our facility is 49 years old (and counting), with limited capacity to meet the needs of all residents: Physical therapy patients find our pool too cold • lap swimmers find our pool too warm and too crowded • lack of ADA access and an elevator • lack of fire sprinklers • a need for family changing areas • outdated locker facilities. The list goes on..

We seek to renew the vision and rekindle the community commitment that gave us a fine new facility in the ‘70s–to build on our pool’s legacy with a new facility that fulfills community needs for future generations and continues to enhance the lifestyle and connections we all treasure.