Aquatic center: Let's look at all angles before jumping in

We're among the first to agree that a proposed regional aquatic center would be a good addition to the quality of life in the Greater Yakima area.

But we're also of the opinion that before we jump into a project of this magnitude, we need answers to any and all questions and commitments from the many entities it would take to make this work. This is, after all, a huge investment, both upfront for construction and for ongoing maintenance and operation.

For example, it is assumed in dialogue by city officials to date that construction of a new center automatically means closure of the remaining two municipal swimming pools.

At a study session last week, which was called to discuss aspects of the park, City Manager Dicks Zais said a projected $440,000 deficit in operating costs could be made up by closing the two pools and contracting with a private entity such as the YMCA to run the new facility. Zais said part of the projected deficit was originally because of higher labor costs associated with city staff running the center.

Granted, Yakima's municipal pools are getting old and are expensive to maintain. But the fact also remains they're used. Pools were closed in 2005 at Miller and Washington parks and Eisenhower High school as a cost-saving measure, but with that move came increased use at the remaining two pools at Franklin and Lions parks.

From June 1 through Aug. 15, city staff reports that Lions hosted 7,802 people, up about 2,000 from the same time frame last year. Franklin pool, from June 1 through Aug. 10, had already attracted 26,210 swimmers and is expected to top 30,000 people by at least a couple thousand swimmers when season totals are known.

Would that kind of use continue if a water park opens? Maybe, maybe not. But it's a question worth serious attention.

City officials say this year's pool budget is $320,000 and while municipal pools are never money makers, they are a component of overall quality of life issues in the community — just like parks, which are also not self-supporting.

Another question: Will area residents using a new water park be allowed discount ticket prices? They might allow local folks to feel they have more of a stake in the facility.

And then there are the major questions surrounding how to pay for the $34 million facility. The leading contender is increasing the sales tax from 8.2 percent to 8.3 percent. And that's certainly no slam dunk, since it would require expanding the scope of a present three-city public facilities district and the Yakima, Selah and Union Gap city councils placing the tax-hike proposal on the ballot for voter approval. The tax hike would in turn raise an estimated $2.2 million a year, which is expected to be enough to handle annual debt service on a 25-year capital bond issue.

A thoroughly vetted, financially pragmatic and unanimously (or nearly so) backed plan is absolutely crucial if backers ever hope to gain the blessing of voters.

* Members of the Yakima Herald-Republic editorial board are Michael Shepard, Sarah Jenkins, Bill Lee and Karen Troianello.

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