SAVE OUR POOL & PROTECT OUR PARKS & REC
Two measures will shape the future of Hood River Valley’s pool, Community Education, parks, and trails. This May, voters will decide whether we keep our only year‑round public pool and continue our 40‑year Community Education program.
Vote YES on May 19!
The Two Measures at a Glance
Bond: Replaces the Failing Pool
Makes sure we have a year-round pool
$0.64 per $1,000 assessed value
25 years • Up to $40.36M
Most households in Hood River (75%) would pay under $215 per year. A typical household, the one right in the middle of all assessed values, would pay under $160 per year.
Levy: Funds Programs & Maintenance
Keeps Community Ed, trails, and parks operating
$0.33 per $1,000 assessed value
5 years • $1.06M per year
Most households in Hood River (75%) would pay under $111 per year. A typical household, the one right in the middle of all assessed values, would pay under $80 per year
YES on the BOND
SAVE Our Pool
Why We Need a New Pool
The pool’s underground concrete, pipes and mechanical systems are worn out, including original 1948 concrete that’s still in place
Fixing it would mean digging up the entire pool and replacing every system, and upgrading everything to meet today’s safety and accessibility standards - which is essentially the same as building a new pool
The pool teaches every elementary student essential swim and water‑safety skills. Drowning is a leading cause of death for young children. In 2025, 889 adults and kids completed life‑saving training
What the Bond Builds
A modern, energy‑efficient Aquatic Center on the current site
A competition‑size lap pool for students, teams, fitness, and fun
A warm‑water pool for therapy, seniors, and lessons
A fully ADA‑accessible, single‑level layout
Year‑round recreation and water-safety programs that help save lives
A No‑Frills, Long‑Lasting Facility
A durable, safe, functional replacement for the failing pool
40% cheaper than the 2024 proposal (scaled down to the pool only)
Rebuilding on the same site is the most cost‑effective option
Grants, fundraising, and higher out‑of‑district rates help reduce taxpayer costs
Accountability
A citizen oversight committee will track spending and ensure transparency.
YES on the LEVY
PROTECT Our Parks & Rec
What’s at Risk Without the Levy
Community Education would end
Pool hours would be sharply reduced
Parks and trails would only be repaired when something breaks
Why the Levy Matters
Parks & Rec took over Community Ed in 2022 and serves 3,200+ people each year
Community Ed offers 90+ programs with 4,000+ yearly registrations, mostly kids
Parks & Rec maintains 74 acres of parks, 6 miles of trails, and the pool
The tax base, set in 1988, has not kept up with inflation or growth
What the Levy Funds
Youth and adult sports, camps, and enrichment
Lifesaving water‑safety training
Maintenance of 74 acres of parks, 6 miles of trails, and the pool
A savings fund for long‑term Aquatic Center upkeep
Trail maintenance that reduces wildfire fuels and improves firefighter access
What’s wrong with the existing pool?
What People Are Saying
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We are surrounded by water. Kids need to learn to swim!
— Nancy JP
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Our forebears invested in the pool over several generations. Now, it's our turn to invest in the future.
— Chris Karlin
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New friends, self reliance, fun that doesn't involve a screen — Parks and Rec programs go far in shaping young lives, and building a better community.
— Eddy Patricelli
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In my view, the pool and parks system are critical for this region--from babies to seniors, we all share in the benefits of water safety, fitness and fun!
— Jeanne Juneau
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Recreation gives the kids a chance to get out, play and make friends from all over the valley.
— Nancy Roach
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I believe in investing in our community, just as my parents and grandparents have. I want all children to have an opportunity to learn to swim and participate in recreation in our community.
— Kate McBride