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A smart new plan.
To keep Cañon City Cool.
Every town needs a pool. A pool is an important part of what turns a place into a community. A pool enhances our quality of life and provides a safe place where children can first learn how to swim and practice water safety. A place where young and old gather to play, exercise, escape the summer heat and make lasting family memories.
Why do we need a new pool?
For 57 years, Cañon City residents have enjoyed the R.C. Icabone Swimming Pool. But sadly, in May of 2023, the difficult but necessary decision to permanently close the facility was made due to multiple mechanical and structural issues and problems. The Icabone Pool was originally designed to last 25 to 30 years, but thanks to the efforts of dedicated volunteer boards and staff stretching budgets through the years - its lifespan doubled. For 57 years our community enjoyed the benefits of Icabone Pool because our parents and grandparents had the foresight to make smart investments in our community. Today, it is our turn to invest in the future of Cañon City.
Watch this video.
Photos of R.C. Icabone Swimming Pool
A cost-effective plan for the future.
Based on extensive
community input.
The Cañon City Area Recreation and Park District has been hard at work conducting a feasibility study and collecting community input to determine options to replace the pool. Over the past several months, literally thousands of citizens have participated in a town hall, community workshop, City Council meeting, online forum or through our community survey. Thank you to all who participated!
1729
Local residents who participated in phase 1 community engagement survey.
492
Attended work shops, Council Meetings and community forums.
1126
Local residents who participated in phase 2 community options survey.
The Plan.
Based on the extensive community engagement and input received, City Council unanimously voted to proceed with a combination indoor / outdoor facility that can be used year-round to maximize efficiency and return on investment.
Grow Your Vision
Now its up to us.
To make this plan reality, voters will need to approve three measures on the ballot this November. One measure to issue bonds. One to approve a .30% sales tax to pay back the bonds, and a mill levy increase of 4 mills for ongoing operations and maintenance. All three measures must pass for the project to go forward.
Vote YES. YES. YES.
2A
A 0.30% sales tax increase to pay for capital construction and capital reserves for the swimming facility. This will be collected through city sales tax and passed through to the Recreation District to pay off the bonds. It will sunset once the bonds to construct the pool are paid off in 25 years.
6A
A four mill increase in the Recreation District’s mill levy. This would go to both the operations of the new pool facility and for current Recreation District operations.
6B
A debt financing question from the Recreation District. This question is not a tax increase. It is the District asking the community for permission to go into debt to acquire general obligation bonds to construct the facility and build some capital reserves. The bonds are paid off by the sales tax and will sunset once the debt is repaid.
Tim Payne
Fmr. Fremont County Commissioner
"These three ballot initiatives for the proposed swimming pool are the most fair and equitable that I have seen in my 20 years of being on government boards."
Jim Wallace
Community Member
"I was a strong opponent of the previous rec center proposal due to several concerns I had at the time. I was very vocal about those issues. However, after learning about the new pool initiative I am now in full support of 2A, 6A and 6B. This proposal aligns with the community's safety and wellness needs, and I believe it will bring significant benefits."
Harriet Hogan
Community Member
"Why do we need a year-around swimming pool in Canon City? For older adults, water therapy or swimming activities are very helpful for keeping your body moving, not deteriorating."
It will take our whole community to fill up a new pool. Please join us.
Can we count on your support?
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