Pool Feasibility Study Information

A 3D render of a recreational facility with a water park, swimming pool, buildings, parking lot, and green areas.

After the R.C. Icabone Swimming Pool closed in May of 2023 discussions started on the steps that needed to be taken to potentially replace this facility. The Recreation District began the process of seeking out partners to help with this effort. The first thing needed was to determine the type of facility the community wanted, if any, moving forward. In the past there have been studies done for a Recreation Center, but not for a pool only. Therefore we needed to conduct a feasibility study to narrow down the needs and wishes of the community.

The Recreation District partnered with the City of Cañon City to conduct this study and additional surveys. The cost would run around $95,000. Funding was also secured through Royal Gorge Route Railroad, Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, Newmont Mine Legacy Fund, El Pomar Foundation, and Recreation Enhances our Community.

The feasibility study process started in December 2023 with the formation of a pool committee whose members represent our community. Their job was to provide feedback to the consultants and make sure the community was heard by as many user groups as possible.

Members Included:

Emily Tracy- Cañon City Council
Tim Dennehy- Cañon City Council
Ryan Stevens-Cañon City Administrator
Kristy Gotham-Cañon City Public Information Officer
Randi Esquibel-Citizens for a Pool
Mack Word- Golden Age Center Executive Director
Brian VanIwarden - Cañon City Schools
Ed Norden-Former Fremont County Commissioner
Nick Sartori-Cañon City Area Recreation and Park District Board Member
Melissa Smeins-Piranhas Swim Team and Cañon City Area Recreation and Park District Board Member
Kyle Horne,-Cañon City Area Receation and Park District Executive Director
Dawn Green-Cañon City Area Receation and Park District Finance Director

The Feasibility Study process included the following:

Eight (8) Pool Committee Meetings
Four (4) Public Meetings
Three (3) combined City Council and Recreation District Board of Director Meetings
Stakeholder Groups with 70 local citizens
A dedicated website for the study - link here
Three (3) surveys on the study website
One (1) scientific survey through Magellan Strategies
Numerous news stories in the local paper
Monthly radio interviews
Numerous Social Media posts through multiple platforms and entitites
- Hundreds of thousands of page impressions
- Thousands of comments
Numerous videos about the project
Location for the pool

Aerial map of a proposed pool facility expansion near a high school and park.

Indoor swimming pool with lanes, starting blocks, seating area, and people.

Website Accessibility Statement

Canon City Area Metropolitan Recreation & Park District (the "District") is committed to ensuring that its services are accessible to all members of the public. As part of this commitment, the District strives to provide an accessible website compatible with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1, AA, and commercial screen reading software. Features of the website are created to allow individuals with vision and other impairments to understand and use the website to the same degree as someone without disabilities.

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Contact our compliance support team via telephone at: (888) 765-1970

Ongoing Compliance Information

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