The cities of Covington and Maple Valley have joined forces to conduct a study to understand the wider community’s indoor recreational needs. The study will address the feasibility of a new recreational facility and aquatic center, taking into account the aging Covington Aquatic Center. Washington State grants funds were dedicated in 2019 for this study and for the design of the recommended recreation facility.
The feasibility study will identify needs and preferences around a recreation facility and its programming components, produce conceptual building design, estimate construction and operating costs, and recommend potential locations across the Covington and Maple Valley area. The study’s conclusions will be presented to elected officials in spring 2021, along with a cost-benefit analysis regarding public funding. The study will then move into Phase 2, the pre-construction design of the recommended site and facility.
The Re-createAndRecreate.com website provides ongoing information and interactive opportunities, currently encouraging residents to take an online survey and sign-up for project updates. More opportunities for participation including virtual town hall events will take place this fall. A full project timeline is available on the website.
Opportunities for participation will follow a public process that will be led by a citizen steering committee. The steering committee will meet four times this fall and spring to work towards a consensus among balanced representation across recreation interests, taking input and reporting progress on each step in the study. The application to join the steering committee is available on the project’s website; applications will be accepted through Monday, September 14th, 2020.
