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9 <br /> <br />destination. It could influence travel decisions, extend the average length of stay, and increase <br />off-season visitation—all of which contribute to broader tourism-driven economic growth. <br /> <br />The projected operating budget (Section III.3) includes non -resident revenue projections, <br />reflecting the expected contribution of visitor use to the facility’s financial sustainability and the <br />local economy. <br /> <br />3. Target Users <br />The Kittitas County Tourism Strategic Plan identifies several key visitor segments: (1) leisure <br />travelers, (2) event and festival attendees, (3) cultural and heritage tourists, (4) business and <br />university-related visitors, and (5) day-use visitors. Each of these segments represents a <br />distinct opportunity for engagement through a publicly accessible, year-round recreation <br />facility. <br />This project is particularly well-positioned to serve two high-impact segments: <br />1. Event-based tourism, especially sports tourism—including basketball tournaments, <br />swim meets, and other competitive athletic events that bring participants and their <br />families from across the region. <br />2. Leisure and business travelers, including STR guests, conference attendees, and <br />families visiting the area who seek recreational options during their stay. <br />Currently, Upper Kittitas County lacks sufficient indoor venues to host regional athletic events <br />at scale. For example, local basketball programs have noted that tournament capacity is <br />constrained by the limited availability of gymnasium space—restricting opportunities to host <br />events that attract weekend and holiday visitors from across the Pacific North. With the <br />addition of a modern recreation facility, the region could significantly expand both the size and <br />number of such events. Likewise, nearby school districts have expressed interest in offering <br />expanded aquatic programming, such as swimming lessons and the potential formation of a <br />swim team. These types of activities would not only serve local youth but also create <br />opportunities to host swim meets and related events, drawing visiting teams and families <br />from across the region. <br />Beyond sports, the recreation center will also accommodate a range of non-athletic event <br />uses, including private parties, weddings, and community functions. Its flexible <br />indoor/outdoor space creates the foundation for multi-purpose use that evolves over time. In <br />future phases, based on public input, enhancements such as a small outdoor amphitheater <br />may be added, further expanding the facility’s capacity to serve cultural and community <br />events.