Town Hall meeting on Sonoma Splash pool plan
The Sonoma Valley Health and Recreation Association (SVHRA), a.k.a. Sonoma Splash, the nonprofit organization working to build a community-access aquatic facility on Verano Avenue, will hold a town hall meeting to discuss plans and recent updates for the project on Wednesday, February 24, 6-7:30 p.m. at FAHA, 197 W. Verano Avenue.
SVHRA will present a preliminary programming plan and financial model that breaks down daily pool use, on-going operational costs and potential revenue streams. Notably, stated Board Member Sam Coturri, the plan addresses the issue of public access and commercial partners. In a recent interview with The Sun, SVHRA Board Present Paul Favaro said the funding model mow includes leasing part of the six-acre parcel to a housing developer, and a bond issue.
“We have always looked beyond the status quo public pool because that model is failing across the country and has already failed in Sonoma,” Favaro said today. “We have the data and anecdotal evidence that the demand is here in Sonoma Valley but we have to build a pool that can keep the doors open for the long-haul.”
Since 2012, SVHRA has worked with community leaders, top industry advisers, local business leaders, potential commercial partners and even the United States Swimming Association to build a modern, privately–funded community aquatics facility that emphasizes accessibility for all and long term economic sustainability. The purchase of Paul’s Resort 18 months ago accelerated that process as well as the search for funding methods.
“The number one goal of the board, our donors and people across the community is to ensure access to the underserved populations in our community,” Favaro said. “Nothing tackles a community need for health, safety and recreation like an accessible community pool with a robust and diverse programming plan.”
To RSVP for the meeting or submit questions in advance, please email [email protected].
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This is good news. Now that there is a plan for a completely privately funded pool, they won’t need the ten-year $25,000/yr operating subsidy they got from the City of Sonoma. City taxpayers will be happy about that.