SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – In about seven months, the doors will open to the public at the $54.1 million multigenerational South Lake Tahoe Recreation and Aquatics Center, and the community will be able to see what the funds from the 2016 Measure P have created.
The outside space is taking shape, with the creation of a parent drop-off zone. Coming closer to opening will be the landscaping to enhance what is already a scenic area of South Lake Tahoe. The water tank house that was part of the original campground is remaining. giving a nod to the historical background of the area.
During a recent tour of the new center, which is located across Lake Tahoe Blvd. from Lake Tahoe, a state-of-the-art recreational hub is taking shape. Ricky Riddle, the City of South Lake Tahoe’s construction/facilities program manager, who is in charge of the recreation and aquatics center, shared each feature including a large, commercial kitchen, bike racks and locker storage, an indoor pool with cabanas (changing rooms), a swinsuit dryer, a 12-foot deep pool with three-meter diving platform at the lap pool, and a lazy river and climbing wall at poolside. There will also be a party room adjacent to the pools available for rentals. The climbing wall in the lobby of the center is an addition to the plans, as it was going to be a fireplace.
The center includes a downstairs craft room and dance room, both lined in large windows facing the lake, an upstairs weight and workout room, and an indoor track. Upstairs is also an event room with outside space that will have wood grain tiles, a projector, art, and sliding panel doors.
Advanced acoustics between the rooms and floors will keep the noise contained to that area. The gym floor is made with thick wood and will be home to multiple basketball courts, pickleball courts, and drop-down batting cages that will come from the ceiling. The open joists weigh 22,000 pounds each, making it very sturdy.
Technically, many may be impressed that there are no rooftop mechanical units, and that all, including HVAC, heating and cooling, are inside. This sustainable feature makes for increased longevity of the roof and equipment.
Programming
The South Lake Tahoe Parks & Recreation Director, John Starks, and his team have been creating new programs, classes, and events in preparation for moving into the new center. There is already an increase in swim lessons, youth and adult volleyball leagues, a cornhole league, accessible yoga, Silver Striders Walking Group, flag football, cheer, singing, and crafts, among others.
Planned programs to come:
Aquatics
- Expanded Year-Round Group Swim Lessons
- Swim Team Programs
- Lifeguard & Water Safety Certification Courses
- Junior Lifeguards
- Movie in the Pool
Adults
- Expanded Fitness Class Offerings
- Adult Basketball League
- Pickleball Tournament
- Art Classes
- Senior Games (Special Event)
- Pickleball Mixer (Special Event)
- Puzzle Event (Special Event)
Youth
- Tiny Tot Sports (ages 3–5)
- Art Classes
- Youth Street Hockey
- Parents’ Night Out
Family
- Batting Cages
- Rockwall
- Family Dances
- Family Game Night
Funding
In 2016, voters approved Measure P, which raised the transient occupancy tax (TOT) by two percent. The tax on motel, hotel, and vacation home rental stays has created a new complex that everyone can enjoy, but is funded by visitors. Before construction began in 2022, $17 million had already been collected through the tax. Phase 1 was the underground portion of the project, and after a new contractor was hired, Phase 2 (the building) began. Lease revenue bonds were issued to build the complex, and the payments will be made through the collected TOT taxes each year.
City Manager Joe Irvin said there are currently no budget overruns or projections of budget overruns through the completion of the project. Total expenditures to date on all design work, Phase 1 and Phase 2, are equal to $54.1 million.
The South Tahoe Parks Foundation was created to fund furnishings and equipment, as well as to provide scholarships for use to those in need. After the American Century Championship in July 2024, NBC committed an annual donation of $10,000 to the center in honor of Tim and Stacy Wakefield. American Century Investments then followed with a matching donation of $10,000. The NBC donation was made to honor the Wakefield’s charitable legacy and longtime participation in the American Century Championship. The donations will initially be used to build high-quality indoor batting cages for the community to enjoy, paying homage to Tim’s baseball legacy.
Harrah’s and Caesars Republic made a $10,000 donation for early childhood play equipment, and the community has been buying commemorative tiles to raise money for the Foundation’s purchases.
