Climbing wall cut from proposed rec center project on South Whidbey

As they fine-tuned the details of their $15.4 million pool and recreation center, South Whidbey Parks & Recreation District officials decided last night to drop the project's climbing wall. The district will use the estimated $200,000 that would have been spent on the climbing wall to create infrastructure for adding tennis facilities to the rec center.

September 30, 2008 11:30 am

As they fine-tuned the details of their $15.4 million pool and recreation center, South Whidbey Parks & Recreation District officials decided last night to drop the project’s climbing wall.

The district will use the estimated $200,000 that would have been spent on the climbing wall to create infrastructure for adding tennis facilities to the rec center at a later date.

The money will pay for site work for future construction, which could including covered courts and night lighting. Park commissioners hope donations from private interests will pay for the completion of the tennis facility, which is planned for a future phase of the rec center project.

Park Commissioner Don Wood wondered how the change could impact the rec center.

“Is the current locker facility big enough or can it be expanded?” Wood asked.

Consultant Geoff Anderson said additional lockers could be added to the rec center if they were needed.

The park district is asking voters to approve a 20-year bond on Nov. 4 to pay for the aquatic and recreation center, which would be built at the Community Park’s entrance on Maxwelton Road in Langley.