Our History
2023
Partnership talks begin
In August, the board reached out to Perk Development to see if there would be interest in forming a partnership to build the pool. After emails and meetings, Perk has added a swimming pool to their Gravel Point workforce housing plan. While talks are still preliminary, the general plan is that Perk will donate or lease the land, as well as build the major portion of the road to the pool. The Bandon Swimming Pool 501c3 will be responsible for raising the funds to build the pool and operate and manage it upon completion.
2022
Fundraising resumes, land sold
With the failure of the Jackson Street property to be annexed as part of the City Park, and the requirement of building a road and getting a conditional use permit in order to build a pool, the Board partnered with adjacent land owners to offer a 30 acre parcel for sale. The land sells, pool proceeds are $438,397.95.
2020-2021
Covid-19 pandemic halts fundraising
The board adopted a new, targeted fundraising plan for building and maintenance of the pool. The pandemic puts those plans and board meetings on hold.
2019
Bequest withdrawn
A non binding survey was sent to Bandon utility customers asking if they would support a pool in the park. 58% of respondents voted yes, but the council decided to uphold their earlier decision of not allowing the pool in the park because of concerns about liability/recreational immunity. Unable to meet the requirement of the City Park location, the bequest is withdrawn.
2018
$2.5 million bequest offered, with conditions
The Bandon Community Swimming Pool Development Corporation received a letter from local attorney Robert S. Miller III explaining that a client, who asked to remain anonymous, had just executed a last will and testament giving $2.5 million to the pool nonprofit, with two express conditions. One, that the pool nonprofit remain in existence, and second that the swimming pool be located in the Bandon City Park.
2014
Board purchases 10 acres off Jackson
The board purchases 10 acres adjacent to the park, with the idea that the land would eventually be annexed to the park. After interest and taxes the group spent $200,000 on the property.
2013
School District withdraws land
Citing the bond failure, the school district withdraws their offer of land for the pool.
2012
Pool bond fails
Bond measure to support a pool failed, though over 1000 voters in the Bandon School District voted to be taxed.
2005
Bandon Swimming Pool Development Corporation 501c3 formed
The Corporation was promised a lot worth about $350,000 on 11th St. The property was in the City Redevelopment zone and $600,000 would have been available for the development of the Swimming Pool. With grants and fundraising, the committee commissioned architectural drawings, did wetland studies, a proposed to go ahead with a Bond for Pool upkeep.
1998
Mayor’s Cultural and Recreation Committee
The Mayor’s Cultural and Recreation Committee was formed to construct the Bandon Aquatic Center. Judy Densmore was Mayor. Dan Almich was Chairperson. Matt Winkle was City Manager. A tax for a recreation district was proposed and the Bond Issue Failed. Rotary raised around $30,000 toward the Aquatic Center which we understand was finally donated toward the Sprague Theater.
1980’s
Partnership with Coquille
About $30,000 was raised and donated to the Coquille Swimming Pool in exchange for Bandon Children using the pool in Summer.
1955
First attempt at fundraising
The South Oregon Coastal Communities raised nearly $4000 toward a swimming pool according to an article in the Western World.
1930s
Natatorium
The Natatorium, located at Coquille Point was a Bandon tourist attraction with salt water pumped from the Ocean and heated by driftwood. It burned in the Bandon fire of 1936