On August 27, the Ridgefield City Council gave a decisive 6‑1 vote to move forward with a public‑private partnership that will bring a new Community and Recreation Center to the city. The agreement, negotiated with Blue Rock Ventures (BRV) Ridgefield Holdings LLC, outlines a $15 million city bond package matched by an estimated $32 million investment from the developer.
Project layout and financing
The 43,000‑square‑foot, two‑story complex will sit at 5001 North Pioneer Canyon Drive. The building will be split by a firewall into a publicly owned community center and a privately owned recreation center, yet both sections will operate as a single, seamless facility. The city will fund the community‑center portion through limited‑tax general‑obligation bonds, as explained by City Attorney Janine Parker during the council presentation.
Benefits for Ridgefield residents
BRV’s contribution comes with several safeguards for local families. The developer will provide discounted membership and participation rates for Ridgefield residents, and the center must remain open for at least 80 hours per week for aquatic and recreational programming. Programs will include lap swimming, open‑recreation swimming, swim lessons, aquatic fitness, team or group use, and adaptive aquatic opportunities. The agreement explicitly calls for outreach to youth, families, seniors, people with disabilities, and low‑ and moderate‑income residents.
In addition, the city will receive six rent‑free hours each week of the recreation‑center space for city‑sponsored activities, provided the events are scheduled at least 90 days in advance and coordinated with existing programming.
Long‑term ownership and lease terms
While BRV will initially own the recreation‑center improvements, the city will hold a ground‑lease interest. When the ground lease ends, ownership of those improvements will transfer to the city. Construction is slated for completion in the summer of 2028, with a substantial‑completion deadline of November 1 2028, subject to extensions for unavoidable delays.Before breaking ground, several conditions must be satisfied, including final confirmation of funding, execution of the ground lease, resolution of environmental and wetland mitigation requirements, a long‑term facility lease, a detailed project and funding schedule, and a boundary‑line adjustment to define each party’s land portion.
Future operating lease
After construction, the city will lease the recreation center back from BRV under a proposed 30‑year operating lease. The exact lease payment has not yet been set. BRV will also be required to maintain financial‑assistance or scholarship programs to reduce participation barriers, and the operator must submit an annual programming plan and report for city review.
Community impact
Local leaders see the center as a cornerstone for family life, offering safe, affordable recreation and fitness options for all ages. By combining public funding with private capital, Ridgefield aims to create a sustainable facility that strengthens community bonds while respecting taxpayers’ stewardship of city resources.
Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.
