Analysis identified the need for additional and/or improved facilities and fields

information released, CDRPA Commissioners pictured above

The Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority (CDRPA) is pleased to announce the Phase 1 Report for the Regional Sports Complex Feasibility Study has been published and can be found at the following link: https://www.cdrpa.org/regional-sports-complex.

The first phase of the study consisted of performing a demand and public needs analysis to determine facility preferences for a future regional sports complex. The analysis identified the need for additional and/or improved outdoor sports fields along with a new indoor aquatic and sports facility. Community members were clear they want priority use for any new facilities while stakeholders expressed an interest in a larger facility that would accommodate regional tournaments in order to boost local economic activity.

“Public engagement was the highest priority for community leaders when determining the need for local sports and aquatic facilities and identifying the region’s current capacity to meet the demand for recreational sports activities during Phase 1 process of the Regional Sports Complex study. Consultant, Berry Dunn, successfully implemented numerous methods to attain broad public engagement. This tremendous public engagement revealed resounding priorities and valuable information,” said Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce executive director and steering committee member, Steve Wilkinson

Wilkinson went on to indicate “The community spoke resolutely that an indoor sports facility is a high priority with year-round opportunities for indoor soccer, futsal, basketball, and volleyball. Additionally, the community expressed a clear preference for local priority use of any new sports facilities. I was surprised to learn that there are presently an insufficient number of rectangle sports fields to support soccer, football, and other sports, plus current fields are overused and considered poorly maintained. Like an indoor sports facility, the potential of a new indoor aquatics facility would also provide significant year-around use and mitigate the risk of wildfire smoke.”

Phase 2 of the study is now underway with the goals and objectives being determined. This portion of the study will include a regional vs. local facility comparison, conceptual design of facility options – including programming and capital costs, site analysis, financial performance projections, regional economic impact forecasting, and funding options.

The final report is expected in early Summer 2024.

Any questions or inquiries on the Regional Sports Complex Feasibility Study can be directed to Stacie de Mestre, Director of Economic Development & Capital Projects at 509.884.4700 or stacie@cdrpa.org.

Please note: the images presented are representative of facilities and fields that may or may not be included in the final analysis. They are presented as examples only.