(DAYTON–The Friends of the Pool (FotP) and the Focus Advisory Group is seeking volunteers to serve on the Proposed Columbia County Metropolitan Park District, a new, unfunded proposed taxing district to support the construction, maintenance and operation of a new aquatic facility and other recreational facilities in Dayton and Columbia County.

A Park District Board of Commissioners of five volunteers is needed to initially guide management of the new district, complete contracts for the current community assessment, survey and design drawings, fiscal management and other duties.

Individuals who have a passion for aquatics, recreation facilities and bettering the lives of local residents are encouraged to contact Deb Hays at City Hall, 111 South First Street, in Dayton, phone number (509) 382-2361. Interested, passionate local volunteers may also contact Virginia Schmidt, Columbia County Commissioners Clerk of the Board, 311 East Main Street, Dayton, phone number (509) 382-4542.

Prospective applicants are required to complete the Application for Board and Commission Appointments, available upon request. Applications must be completed and returned to Deb Hays or Virginia Schmidt by July 28, 2022.

Formation of a Metropolitan Park District has been explored and determined to be the best fit for our rural community. Designation of a geographic area (Columbia County) allows for the creation of a taxing district to collect resources to meet the goals of a new aquatic facility and other recreational facilities.

However, the County proration order, (a $5.90 aggregate limit after making levy limit calculations) does not permit collection of an annual levy at this time. The goal of the Park District designation is to collect an annual levy based on range of up to .75/1000 value of a $100,000 home. An annual levy could generate $75/year on a home valued at $100,000.

Dayton’s City Pool closed in April 2018 due to severe maintenance needs and associated liability issues. FotP was organized and led by local volunteers who worked diligently to fundraise, seek grants and coordinate with the City of Dayton.

The goal was to reopen and improve the Dayton City Pool. In 2020 and into 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic slowed attempts to secure funding. However, two separate awards were recently made to FotP to facilitate a Community Assessment and Survey and to prepare design drawings for a new aquatic facility.