MHCC AQUATIC ROOF CONCEPT

A permanent, retractable roof may be coming to Mt. Hood Community College’s outdoor 50-meter swim pool.

With the estimated $6.6 million addition, paid in part by outside organizations, the college hopes to host additional and possibly year-round swim events that would justify the cost. That’s the idea explained by Andrew Jackman, the MHCC Aquatic Center director, to the college District Board as it moves through the very early stages of planning the project.

The new cover would replace the former inflatable dome that covered the pool, made of fabric. The dome was said to be at its end of life and unrepairable as of 2019 – right before the pandemic hit, shutting down activity for a long period. Previously, the dome would be put up to allow “outdoor” pool use during the winter season.

Another option on the table is a cover for the grandstands at the pool, to protect spectators during swim meets. Given the costs involved, Mt. Hood would need to choose between the two different roofs, however.

As discussed during the Dec. 22 MHCC District Board meeting, the retractable pool cover has an estimated cost of $6.6 million; a grandstand cover, an estimated $4 million.

Jackman said he believes the right choice is whichever option benefits the college the most, with a retractable roof likely preferred.

The biggest challenge is money: MHCC has roughly $2 million of its own funding available, meaning it needs significant outside help.

Jackman told the Board on Feb. 15 that Mt. Hood is working with other organizations such as Sport Oregon and Travel Portland to pursue necessary funding help, a must before any construction can begin.

Ultimately it’s hoped the Aquatics Center can host regional events – even possibly “Olympic type” events – that would draw people from all over the Pacific Northwest, as one of very few such facilities, Jackman said. Year-round use would make the Center self-sustaining, or potentially able to generate profits for the college.

Kane Finders