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16 <br /> <br />and outreach will be applied to ensure a successful public campaign and to bring this long- <br />awaited facility to life. <br /> <br /> <br />VI. Tourism Metrics and Success Measurement <br /> <br />1. Addressing the Kittitas County Tourism Strategic Plan <br />This project directly supports the goals outlined in the Kittitas County Tourism Strategic Plan, <br />particularly the first objective: “Managing Visitor Impact and Strengthening Infrastructure.” While <br />an indoor recreation facility is a long-standing priority for residents, it also offers an important <br />benefit to the tourism ecosystem by relieving pressure on popular outdoor assets—such as trails <br />and parks—through the creation of alternative, year-round recreational opportunities for visitors. <br /> <br />The project also supports the plan’s second strategic goal: “Enhancing Trail Connectivity.” Current <br />facility designs include connections to nearby trails, particularly those located north of the site. <br />Nicky Pasi, of Mountains to Sound Greenway and a member of the Project Committee, has played <br />a key role in identifying and shaping these planned connections. Looking ahead, the future <br />development of Bullfrog Flats offers a strong opportunity to collaborate with the developer on <br />expanding regional trail access. This improved connectivity would enhance visitor mobility, <br />promote sustainable recreation patterns, and strengthen the relationship between indoor and <br />outdoor experiences—helping to further distribute visitor activity across the Upper Kittitas County <br />area. <br /> <br />2. Metrics <br />Assuming continued emphasis on tourism-driven economic growth in Upper Kittitas County, <br />an indoor recreation facility is expected to be a strong attractor for visitors. The operating <br />model includes differentiated pricing, with higher user fees for non-residents, making it <br />straightforward to identify and track visitor usage through point-of-sale systems. These <br />systems will capture data on day-use admissions, memberships, and program participation, <br />offering reliable, real-time metrics on non-resident facility use. <br />Additional insights may be gathered through a voluntary guest registry, allowing visitors to <br />indicate their home city or ZIP code. This low-cost tool can provide supplemental data on <br />geographic reach, particularly in the early years of operation. <br />Facility rentals—such as those for tournaments, swim meets, and other events—will also be <br />tracked through booking systems, and event organizers (e.g., athletic clubs or school <br />districts) can be asked to report estimates on attendance and visitor origin. These events are <br />likely to contribute meaningfully to overnight stays and tourism revenue. <br />Importantly, many residents involved in the design process expressed concerns about <br />overuse by visitors. To ensure a balance between tourism promotion and resident