Yes, for two reasons. First, the proposed private sector project is a focus on competitive sports only. What the Happy Valley Community Center brings is community-building spaces, classes for residents of all ages, aquatics, exercise, wellness offerings, and other non-competitive experiences. Not to mention that a public facility is available and welcoming to the entire community, not just sports leagues. Second, that private sector proposal is little more than a concept at this point, with no site purchased, no permits underway, nor any other steps completed to show the viability of such a project. The city strongly supports the private sector, and would welcome a competitive sports complex in Happy Valley.

No, that’s not true.  Any time we’re talking about a public service, we’re usually talking about two sets of costs: Capital costs, which are costs that go to building or purchasing an actual facility, are usually financed at least in part by a bond like this one.  But there are also Operational costs.  In some cases, taxpayers are on the hook for both, but in this case, you’ll only pay for the Community Center operating costs based on how often you use it.  The pool, gym, track, classes, and meeting spaces will always be available to you.  If you use them a lot, you’ll see a modest use-based cost attached to that.  If you only use the pool once a year to do a New Years’ Eve polar bear dip, your costs would be much, much lower.  But let’s not confuse the difference between Capital costs (this bond plus savings and a state match) and Operating costs (user-based).

Yes! The City received $18.3 million, which must be used for recreational facilities. That money (plus extra the city saved over time) is being applied to this project alongside the bond to allow us to plan for a robust, world-class facility! That leverage is a big part of why bond costs are beng kept so low: Only about 51 cents per day to the average Happy Valley homeowner.

No. Not only are members of the Happy Valley City Council unpaid, but they also have divested themselves of any City-adjacent contracts or other financial interest in City business. No Happy Valley elected official will have any financial interest in the construction or maintenance of the Community Center.

The committee that helped put the Community Center plans together did look very closely at initially including a lap pool, but this was found to be impractical for two reasons. First was the cost, which would have ballooned the initial cost of the facility beyond what would be workable. Second: Without an identified partner helping to shoulder operational costs, the lap pool would generate mounting operational losses every year. However, the Center is designed to be easily expanded; if we can identify an operating partner, a lap pool can be a relatively efficient addition to the facility.

Not likely, no.  Initial projections and modeling have shown that, with the lack of sufficient community spaces and indoor recreational options within city limits, many residents currently end up driving outside of Happy Valley for these services.  After the Community Center is built, we should expect to see an increase in short trips within Happy Valley, but a commensurate decrease in longer trips going in and out of town.