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Pool Feasibility Study Information

A 3D render of a recreational facility with a water park, swimming pool, buildings, parking lot, and green areas.

 Link to the final report for the feasiblity study.

Canon City Replacement of RC Icabone Swimming Pool Feasibility Study_100124ADA updated 11132024.pdf

After the R.C. Icabone Swimming Pool closed in May of 2023 discussions started on the steps that needed to be taken to potentially replace this facility.  The Recreation District began the process of seeking out partners to help with this effort.  The first thing needed was to determine the type of facility the community wanted, if any, moving forward.  In the past there have been studies done for a Recreation Center, but not for a pool only.  Therefore we needed to conduct a feasibility study to narrow down the needs and wishes of the community.

The Recreation District partnered with the City of Cañon City to conduct this study and additional surveys.  The cost would run around $95,000.  Funding was also secured through Royal Gorge Route Railroad, Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, Newmont Mine Legacy Fund, El Pomar Foundation, and Recreation Enhances our Community.

The feasibility study process started in December 2023  with the formation of a pool committee whose members represent our community.  Their job was to provide feedback to the consultants and make sure the community was heard by as many user groups as possible.

Members Included:

  • Emily Tracy- Cañon City Council
  • Tim Dennehy- Cañon City Council
  • Ryan Stevens-Cañon City Administrator
  • Kristy Gotham-Cañon City Public Information Officer
  • Randi Esquibel-Citizens for a Pool 
  • Mack Word- Golden Age Center Executive Director
  • Brian VanIwarden - Cañon City Schools
  • Ed Norden-Former Fremont County Commissioner
  • Nick Sartori-Cañon City Area Recreation and Park District Board Member
  • Melissa Smeins-Piranhas Swim Team and Cañon City Area Recreation and Park District Board Member
  • Kyle  Horne,-Cañon City Area Receation and Park District Executive Director
  • Dawn Green-Cañon City Area Receation and Park District Finance Director

The Feasibility Study process included the following:

  • Eight (8) Pool Committee Meetings
  • Four (4) Public Meetings
  • Three (3) combined City Council and Recreation District Board of Director Meetings
  •  Stakeholder Groups with 70 local citizens
  • A dedicated website for the study - link here
  • Three (3) surveys on the study website
  • One (1) scientific survey through Magellan Strategies
  • Numerous news stories in the local paper
  • Monthly radio interviews
  • Numerous Social Media posts through multiple platforms and entitites
    • Hundreds of thousands of page impressions
    • Thousands of comments
  •  Numerous videos about the project
  • Location for the pool

To get complete information on the Feasibility Study, please follow this link to the website.

Aerial map of a proposed pool facility expansion near a high school and park.

Boundary Map of the City of Cañon City (black line) and the Cañon City Area Recreation and Park District (purple line)

A map showing the boundary map for the City of Cañon City in black and the Cañon City Area Recreation and Park District in blue.
Indoor swimming pool with lanes, starting blocks, seating area, and people.