Milestone celebrated at South Lake Tahoe's new multigenerational recreation and aquatic center

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe and its partners in building the new recreation and aquatics center held a "Topping Off" ceremony Wednesday. This type of event is a customary way to celebrate a significant milestone during the construction of a new building when the final steel beam is put in place.

Kenneth J. Wenham, president and CEO of Roebbelen of El Dorado County, the construction project team, South Lake Tahoe Mayor Cody Bass, and South Lake Tahoe Parks and Recreation director, spoke before the beam was set in place.

"Today marks a significant milestone," said Wenham. "We celebrate this monstrous occasion."

Wenham described another part of the beam placement that carried with it tradition, the placing of a tree on that final beam. He said it symbolizes growth, prosperity, connection of the built environment, togetherness, a promise of new beginnings, and a sense of community.

"It is not just steel and concrete," added Wenham.

The existing recreation center was built in 1975, with limited improvements and regular ongoing maintenance over the life of the building. The process of bringing a new structure to the South Lake Tahoe community began in 2010 when staff told the City Council about the condition of the aging facility and how much it would cost to fix it. In July 2015, the City Council proposed an amendment to the existing City Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) to be known as Measure P, and funds from Measure P had the sole special purpose of funding the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of recreational facilities, specifically including the construction of a recreation complex as outlined in the Recreation Master Plan.

With the support of the lodging community and many local groups, voters approved Measure P in November 2016.

Then came years of work with the owner of the land, El Dorado County, and community outreach to plan the building and services to meet their needs.

It all led to this week with the "topping off" with a steel beam, a tree, and an American flag (also a tradition since 1919 showing solidarity with unions).

"I am so happy, it's a long time coming," said Jerry Bindel, Measure P Fiscal Oversight Committee member and South Lake Tahoe Lodging Association leader on the tax initiative. "In 2016 the community came together for something to last generations."

Those in attendance signed the beam before it was lifted into place on top of what will be the entrance to the new complex.

The building will house a six-lane swimming pool, a lazy river, multiple basketball courts, batting cages, a rooftop event room, senior nutrition services, and space for many programs. It is being paid for by lodging guests through the two percent in TOT voted on in 2016.

"So much will happen here," said Bass. "It will be a center for all ages as a social, fitness, and gathering place."

Stark said people have been hungry for new programs, and many have already started and outlined in the publication of a semi-annual recreation pamphlet. He said people can still donate to some features at the new center through the South Tahoe Parks Foundation. Interested parties can get the naming rights to rooms, sponsor equipment, and other needs through donations. Measure P covers the construction bill, and the foundation donations will fill the spaces. For more information, visit https://southtahoeparksfoundation.org/.