FCWC Friends of the Camas Washougal Community Center. 2

WELCOME

CURRENT FACILITIES

Camas Municipal Swimming Pool

The present Camas Pool in Crown Park, began life as a privately funded service project of the Camas Lions Club. By 1947 the Lions had raised $80,000.00 for an indoor, year around swimming pool. Before work could begin, the Korean War hit and a steel shortage put the project on hold. By 1953, when the war ended, construction costs had risen to the point of devaluing the available funding. In 1954, a compromise allowed a new outdoor pool to be built. In 1960, the Camas Lions promoted enclosing and remodeling the pool and adding a multipurpose room for dancing, skating, and other activities. The funding did not materialize. Today the Camas pool is visited by 11,000 - 13,000 swimmers each season (Memorial Day to Labor Day). The rest of the year the aging outdoor pool is unused. The 53 year old swimming complex of 3 pools has a 200 swimmer capacity. Swimmers of all ages use the center, moms with wading toddlers, kids, teens, families and seniors. The quality of service resulting from the structure is diminishing. The facility’s deterioration is compounded by increases in health and safety requirements. Despite high maintenance and a maximum depth of only 10 feet, the impoverished summer hangout still has an aggressive and popular swimming lesson program.

Camas Community Center History

Our current community center began life as a school house called Oak Park School. The Camas Public School District built the structure in 1915 and 1916. It housed the first kindergarten in the city as well as classes for grades 1-5. Newer schools were built in the district and Oak Park School was decommissioned in 1962. Tidland Corporation bought the building in the mid ‘60s and used the upper floor as an office for their entire sales force. The facility was sold to the City of Camas in 1985. The 90 year old community center has been renovated and upgraded several times over the years. The facility includes meeting rooms, large multipurpose room and administrative offices for the Camas Parks and Recreation Department. Historically, the center is used by an east county population made up of about 40% from Washougal and out lying areas with Camas residents making up the remaining 60%.

Washougal Community Room History

Washougal currently has limited community recreation facilities. The Washougal Municipal Center, dedicated in February 1981, includes a library, small seniors rec-room, catering kitchen, and a multipurpose room with a capacity of 108. The room is heavily used daily by seniors and rented out for special events in the evenings. Washougal has never had a public swimming pool or other indoor recreation facilities which are particularly important in the rainy northwest. Washougal working with Camas on a joint community recreation center provides an opportunity to enrich both cities with a facility that serves the citizens to a greater extent than if built separately. Recent studies have confirmed the high demand for such a center and collaboration is strongly supported in both communities.