Voters approve $43M bond to fund aquatic center in College Community School District

CEDAR RAPIDS — Voters approved a $43 million general obligation bond issue that will fund construction of a swimming pool and wellness center in the College Community School District that will be operated by the YMCA.

The measure passed with 65 percent support, according to unofficial results. The measure required 60 percent of the vote to pass.

  Buy Photo

“I’m excited not only for our students but also our community,” said College Community School District Superintendent Doug Wheeler. “Southwest Cedar Rapids is growing very quickly, and we’re excited to offer amenities to serve the growing population … and we’re excited to bring those to our students and expand our programming, but also do something the community can access and be proud of as well.”

The facility could open as early as January 2025. It would be located across from Prairie Crest Elementary, 301 76th Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids.

It would include an aquatic center with a competition-size pool with diving and seating for spectators, a recreational pool with a splash pad, a walking and running track, basketball and multipurpose courts and a cardio and weightlifting area.

The bond also will fund an expansion of a wrestling practice room and convert existing gym space into an indoor batting facility at the new Ninth Grade Center — opening next fall — and pay for the addition of a concession stand and ticket booth at John Wall Stadium, 401 76th Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids.

The bond will not raise property taxes since the district has paid down previous debt. The current tax levy rate for residents is $16.61 per $1,000 of taxable valuation.

The facility will be owned by the College Community School District and operated by the YMCA. The YMCA is to cover daily operational costs like the electricity, pool maintenance and small repairs. The school district is to be responsible for any major structural and maintenance costs.

There are about 5,800 students from Linn, Benton and Johnson counties in 10 schools in the College Community School District.

Bruce DeSotel, 72, of Cedar Rapids, voted for the bond issue

"It's time to start spending more money on the schools," DeSotel said. "I thought it made sense to me, and it's time to start focusing on the schools again."

Lynn Woods, 44, and Andrew McNabb, 47, of Cedar Rapids, also voted for the bond issue.

"I wanted to know if that's going to be open to residents, (and) if it's going to, you know, be a benefit to the community as a whole and not just the students that are into athletics," Woods said. She said district officials assured her it would be open to the public.

Comments: (319) 398-8499; tom.barton@thegazette.com