CITY OF CLE ELUM REC CENTER LARGE CAP APPLICATION

Home Browse Search

8 While additional outdoor amenities may be developed in future phases, all Lodging Tax funds requested through this application will be used exclusively to support construction of the indoor facility. Construction documents, prepared by ALSC Architects, are complete and available for review upon request. The project is ready for bid as soon as construction financing is secured. Project Location The facility will be built on 12.2 acres of land owned by the City of Cle Elum, specifically dedicated for this project. The site is ideally located—adjacent to the Cle Elum-Roslyn School District and directly across Bullfrog Road from Suncadia—making it easily accessible to residents and visitors from all Upper Kittitas County communities. Set within a beautifully forested area, the design thoughtfully preserves the site’s natural character. The facility will be accessible by vehicle via Bullfrog Road and by foot or bicycle through a network of existing and planned trails. These connections will enhance access for students and residents, while also supporting the growing mountain biking community, which increasingly views Upper Kittitas County as a premier destination. To accommodate and encourage active transportation, bike barns are included in the project design. Overview of Impact on Tourism While the project is designed for the benefit of Kittitas County residents, the impact on tourism is expected to be substantial. See next sections for rationale. 2. Tourism Benefit Access to recreational amenities varies significantly among visitors, particularly those staying in short-term rentals (STRs) located outside private developments like Suncadia. Many of these STRs lack fitness or pool facilities, creating a clear demand fo r a public recreation center that is accessible for a fee. Even guests within Suncadia often do not have access to private amenities—or may seek alternatives due to capacity constraints and overcrowding. A centrally located public facility would capture unmet demand and generate new revenue streams from both use fees and facility rentals. Notably, Suncadia’s management supports the development of this community resource, recognizing its value as a complementary offering to the area’s tourism infrastructure. Additional user groups—including campers, outdoor recreationists, and accompanying family members—represent further market segments with limited access to indoor facilities. These visitors often contribute to the local economy and would likely increase per-visitor spending through paid facility access and participation in programs or events. While the precise number of incremental visitors is difficult to project, the presence of an indoor recreation facility would enhance the region’s competitive positioning as a year-round