History

A Brief History of the Toledo Swimming Pool and the Greater Toledo Pool Recreation District

The Toledo Swimming Pool, located in Toledo, Oregon, has long been a central hub for recreation and community gatherings. Built in the early 1940s, the pool was initially part of a public works project designed to enhance local infrastructure and provide a safe place for swimming and aquatic activities. Over the decades, it became a beloved institution, serving as a venue for swimming lessons, competitive swim meets, fitness classes, and family recreation.

By the 2010s, however, the aging facility faced significant challenges. Years of wear and tear, along with escalating maintenance costs, placed the pool’s future in jeopardy. Despite its importance to the community, funding became increasingly difficult to secure, raising concerns about a potential closure.

In response, residents of Toledo and the surrounding areas rallied to save the pool. Through grassroots organizing and public advocacy, they formed the Greater Toledo Pool Recreation District (GTPRD). In 2017, voters approved the creation of this special tax district to provide sustainable funding for the pool’s operation and maintenance. This district encompasses Toledo and parts of the surrounding Lincoln County area, demonstrating widespread support for the facility’s preservation. The transfer of the pool from the City to the District accured on March 1, 2018. 

With funding secured, the GTPRD began addressing critical repairs and upgrades to extend the pool’s lifespan and enhance its functionality. Improvements have included structural repairs, energy-efficient heating systems, and updates to the pool’s accessibility features, ensuring it remains a welcoming space for people of all ages and abilities.

Today, the Toledo Swimming Pool continues to thrive under the stewardship of the Greater Toledo Pool Recreation District. It stands as a testament to the community’s dedication to preserving recreational opportunities and fostering a sense of connection among residents.

The Greater Toledo Pool Recreation District (GTPRD) was established to preserve and operate the community pool in Toledo, Oregon. In 2017, the district achieved a significant milestone when it successfully passed a bond measure. This measure provided essential funding to maintain, renovate, and expand the pool facilities to better serve the community.

Key Aspects of the 2017 Bond Expansion:

1. Facility Renovation:
   The bond aimed to address critical repairs and upgrades to the aging pool infrastructure. This included improvements to mechanical systems, plumbing, and energy efficiency, ensuring the facility remained operational for years to come.
2. Community Accessibility:
   Part of the bond funding was dedicated to making the pool more accessible for all community members. This included compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by installing ramps, lifts, and other modifications to accommodate individuals with disabilities.
3. Programming Expansion:
   The renovations enabled the pool to host an expanded range of programs, such as swimming lessons, aquatic fitness classes, and recreational activities for all age groups.
4. Long-Term Sustainability:
   The bond measure focused on enhancing the pool’s financial sustainability by investing in energy-efficient equipment and systems, reducing operating costs, and ensuring the facility could generate sufficient revenue through expanded services.
5. Community Support and Vision:
   The passage of the bond was a testament to the community’s dedication to preserving the pool as a vital resource. It demonstrated a collective commitment to health, recreation, and community-building.

By leveraging the 2017 bond, GTPRD successfully transformed the pool into a modern, accessible, and sustainable facility, solidifying its role as a centerpiece of recreation and wellness in the Toledo community.