EVANSTON — The Evanston Recreation Foundation hosted a fundraising gala at the Machine Shop on Saturday, June 14, to support efforts to place a new aquatic center proposal on the ballot for the November 2025 election.

The event, titled “The Gala: Planting the Seeds of Growth,” raised just over $24,000 toward the campaign. The evening included dinner catered by Dang Good BBQ, a live auction featuring local donations such as a golf club membership, and a mystery item won by attendees Chris and Samantha Brown. Local sponsors also contributed to the event.

The gala’s theme echoed the broader message of the evening — that investing in a new pool would bring new life to the community.

Evanston Parks and Recreation District Director Kim Larson addressed the crowd, emphasizing the need to replace the aging pool facility at the rec center. She reflected on her own childhood experiences at the pool and the role it plays in the community today.

Larson explained that the current pool often reaches capacity and no longer meets the community’s needs. She stressed the urgency of building a new facility.

“We truly believe building a new facility is the best option,” she said.

Evanston Recreation Foundation President Jessica Arch also spoke during the event.

“We have our work cut out for us,” she said, adding that efforts are still in the early stages. She urged attendees to help promote the aquatic center project and emphasized the importance of voter turnout in the upcoming election.

Arch detailed how the proposed special purpose tax initiative would benefit the entire county, not just Evanston. She said the tax would fund projects across Uinta County on a per capita basis. Bear River, for instance, has selected a new access road, and Uinta County would receive two new fire trucks and two new ambulances to serve the broader region.

Other county projects include new ADA bathrooms in Mountain View Park, new playground equipment for Lyman’s Heritage Park and an expanded sewer system in Lyman. 

Arch closed her remarks with a folktale about a village working together to accomplish a difficult task — in this case, pulling a giant turnip from the ground. Arch used the story as a metaphor for the effort required to pass the tax bill, emphasizing the need to work together as a community.

Arch reminded the audience that the issue ultimately comes down to a simple question: “Do we want a pool, or do we not want a pool?”

Larson noted that the Wyoming Department of Health had previously threatened to shut down the current pool due to standing water issues. To remedy the problem, Larson said they purchased an expensive machine and hired an additional custodian to help manage the problem.

The proposed two-story facility would feature a first floor with a lobby, changing areas, family restrooms, and two party rooms, while the second floor would include an observation deck, spectator restrooms, concessions, and a third party room.

The total cost of constructing the new facility is estimated to be around $28 million, which includes the new aquatic center and conversion of the old pool into a gymnastics center, which will increase available space in the main gymnasium for expanded recreational use.

A proposed special purpose tax initiative aims to raise more than $40 million to fund a series of public improvement projects throughout Uinta County. City officials are advocating for a temporary one-cent sales tax — referred to as a “sixth-penny tax” — to finance the effort. The measure is expected to appear on the ballot during a special election scheduled for Nov. 4.

If approved, the funds would support projects in multiple communities based on population distribution. Evanston, which makes up 75% of the county’s population, would receive $28.8 million to construct a new aquatic center and convert the old pool.

Lyman, representing 14% of the population, would receive $5.4 million for renovations to Heritage Park and sewer expansion. Mountain View, with 8% of the population, would see $2.2 million allocated for park improvements. Bear River, which comprises 3% of the county’s population, would receive $856,769 to build a secondary access road off Deer Mountain Road.

In addition to these municipal projects, Uinta County Fire and Ambulance would receive $3.3 million to purchase two new fire trucks and two ambulances. The total estimated cost for all proposed projects is $40,605,209.

Items like groceries, gas and property would be exempt from the tax. The tax would instead apply to non-essential purchases, with contributions from both residents and travelers. Larson emphasized the need for alternative funding sources as well, including donations and grants.

The gala was the latest step in a growing community effort to ensure the future of recreational amenities in Evanston — with organizers hopeful that the seeds planted at the June 14 event will bear fruit at the ballot box in November.