Public invited to participate in South Lake Tahoe Recreation and Swim Complex survey

Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/30/2020 - 7:33pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe is continuing the process on the planning, design and construction of the new Community Recreation & Aquatics Center.

For the past several years the City's Parks and Recreation Department has involved the public on the future of its aging recreation center and plans for a new building through community meetings and workshops.

In 2016, the lodging community helped pass Measure P, a two percent tax tourist accommodation tax (TOT) added to lodging nights in South Lake Tahoe. All funds raised through this tax paid by tourists is to be used strictly for recreation.

To date, the Measure P fund is $11,023,073. More than $2 million is raised each year through TOT for Rec Center project. With the passage of Measure T, which bans the use of vacation home rentals in the city in 2022, future funding amounts are uncertain. There are new lodging projects underway in South Lake Tahoe that may cover some losses.

The City is inviting the public to take part in a survey regarding their household's priorities for the center. Even if a person does not currently plan to use the new center, they would still like to hear from everyone.

“We are so excited to be entering this phase of the project,” said Lauren Thomaselli, Recreation Superintendent, “Recreation is so important in South Lake Tahoe and this is the best way for the public to provide their input in what the new center will look like.”

If the public would like to take the survey, they can click the link here.

The City has been working on this project since 2010. In 2014 City Council adopted the Parks, Trails, Recreation Master plan to provide direction for enhancing recreation opportunities for residents and visitors by increasing collaborative efforts and focusing resources where they are most needed.

“The voters have made it clear that recreation is a priority in South Lake Tahoe,” said City Manager Joe Irvin, “This rec center will be a place our entire community can come to have fun, stay healthy, and enjoy the benefits they decide to have put in place.”

The deadline for the survey is October 21 so make sure to have your voice heard soon. There will also be a public meeting on October 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. To join, visit https://zoom.us/j/98790833839?pwd=RWI1SU9nSWpVOTdjWXN2eGFZb3hRdz09#success.