The Dream: A year-round, multigenerational center in Rockingham for everyone to enjoy a healthier lifestyle.
The Old Dream – 1958 Pool
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The Old Dream – 1958 Pool
The New Rockingham Recreation Center will include an outdoor pool with zero entry and a movable bulkhead, a therapy pool, a new multi-generational use building, a walking track above versatile courts that can he used for basketball, volleyball, floor hockey, or other activities
The Dream
The Rockingham Area Recreation Center will be a gathering place where family members of all ages can find healthy activities, fun and companionship. The new facility will be built on the existing recreation land that encompasses 60 acres. The plan includes an outdoor pool, recreation area, and a walking track above versatile courts that can be used for basketball, volleyball, floor hockey, or other activities. There will be a community meeting room, a large game room, a media center and a computer lab along with areas set aside for seminars and instruction.
The mural, depicting downtown Bellows Falls circa 1910, greets residents and visitors alike. The project was a collaborative effort between the Rockingham Arts and Museum Project (RAMP), the town, the Vermont Arts Council, local residents and businesses. Art of Life muralists Bonnie Lee Turner and Cliff Clear painted the mural.
An Ideal Time & Opportunity
The Rockingham area is on the rise. Thanks to the efforts of involved citizens and groups, there is a renewed sense of vitality and prosperity. A community center where families can meet and grow together can play a key role in the continued growth and health of Rockingham and the surrounding towns and villages.
The Rockingham Recreation Area — with its public pool, ball fields, basketball and tennis courts, playground, sliding hill, ski tow, outdoor ice skating rink, hiking trails — has been a center of community activity for over half a century. But there are serious problems with leakage at the pool and other maintenance issues that will require extensive rebuilding in the next few years.
Warming hut at the ski tow was donated by Ben & Jerry's and constructed by their employees and M&K Builders of Bellows Falls. A rope tow has served skiers on the hill for over 50 years.
Now is the ideal time to replace the deteriorating facility with a new, year-round center for the whole area to enjoy. Part of the town's equity in the new Recreation Center is that water and sewer are already in place. It's a valuable resource for development.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that should not be missed.
Ben & Jerry's donated and helped build this playground which was removed in the past few years due to safety issues. The playground equipment is gradually being added back as funds allow with safe, more youth-friendly play equipment.
In the summer of 2007 money was raised and volunteers erected a gazebo in the playground area to better utilize the playground space for arts & crafts, meetings, movies, and events during rainy weather.
However, the original merry-go-round, which has seen numerous repairs, is still being used by young and old alike.
The Key to a Vital and Healthy Community
The Rockingham Area Recreation Center: A key to a vital and healthy community for all ages
Impact on the Town
- Attracts better-quality work force
- Increases property values
- Improves quality of life
- Provides safe haven for our kids
- Keeps adults active and healthy
- Offers a respite for fun and companionship for all ages
- Promotes intergenerational interaction
Swimming Pool
The new community pool as proposed in our conceptual design has been selected to fit within the confines of the footprint of the existing, old Town pool. The new pool has been design to respond simultaneously to the needs of various groups within the community. By incorporating a moving bulkhead divider in the lap-pool section, we have added the ability to accommodate lap and/or competitive swimming in either a 25-yard or 25-meter swimming course. Additionally, by separating the lap-pool from the splash-pool portion we have the ability to conduct lap or competitive swimming at the same time that the splash pool area is being used for general recreation, learn-to-swim, water aerobics, or other aquatic activities.
While the pool illustrated appears to provide two distinctly separate bodies of water, this is actually a single pool with a single body of water, which can be filtered and chemically treated with a single system. This will make the overall system far more energy efficient and over its life span will save the community tens of thousands of dollars in long-term operating expenses.
The splash-pool area includes a zero-entry beach area with a limited number of shallow water spray features to provide a more interactive experience for the younger pool patrons. Additionally, we have included a large stair area, which provides a seating service as well as access to the three-foot deep water, which is the maximum water depth in the splash pool. We have also incorporated a large deck area, which will provide plenty of space for lounging and sunning.
The primary pool construction would be of reinforced concrete and the pool would be re-circulated through an integrated stainless-steel perimeter gutter system. This unique system eliminates the need for hundreds of feet of buried piping surrounding the swimming pool. The pool design proposed has been development through in-depth discussions with various members of the community and the recreation group. We believe that the concept proposed responds to virtually every user group within your community.
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- First Floor:
- In addition to the courts and the pool, the first floor will include a sign-in area, an office, a kitchenette and a toddler room. There will be men's and women's locker rooms, all handicapped accessible, that will include private bathrooms and showers plus a maintenance room. There are also plans to include a therapy pool in the center section of the first floor that can be utilized by area health organizations.
- Sign-in area, office kitchen
- Storage and toddler room
- Men's locker room
- Women's locker room
- Therapy pool
- Maintenance rooms
- Second Floor:
- The second floor has been designed for lots of group activity and will include an open game room, a media center, a community meeting room and an office. There will be an entrance from the 2nd floor to the walking track which will surround the 2nd floor of the court area.
- Open area
- Media center
- Staff office
- Storage
- Viewing area for courts
- Community meeting room
The first and second floors in the Central Section will be fully air-conditioned.
Please join us in this historical campaign
- In Rockingham's recent history there has been only one Capital Campaign project for the Rockingham Memorial Hospital.
- It is now time for our community to undertake another Capital Campaign in order to preserve a vital part of our community life.
- We need to replace the existing recreation area facilities.
- Over the last several years, volunteers and experts have combined their skills to create a facilities plan that is exciting yet reasonable.
- Now you can make a difference by supporting this multi-generational facility that will have a major, positive impact on the Rockingham Area.
Proposed Timeline
Phase I – Swimming Pool & Building
- Ground breaking: 2008
- Construction: 12 months
- Grand Opening: 2009
Phase II – Multi-Use Indoor Gymnasium & Walking Track
- Ground breaking: 2010
- Construction: 12 months
- Grand Opening: 2011
Financial Information
- Budget: $4.5 million
- Source of funds: community fundraising, federal funds, state funds, individual donations, grants, and private foundation monies
- Building and operating expenses: $400,000 - $450,000 per year
"I have been impressed with the broad base of support that you have been able to develop over the past couple of years. You have reached out to the youth and seniors alike, understanding that a multi-generational approach is the best way not only to assure the program's success, but also to deal with many of the societal concerns that face us." Governor Howard Dean, M.D.
"I think you have an obligation to enlarge the current recreation facility for the next generation. Once it's done, you're going to ask yourselves, 'Why didn't we do this sooner? " Dr. C. Everett Koop
Former U.S. Surgeon General
State Government Support
"The construction of the Rockingham Area Recreation Center becomes even more important as we search for ways to engage our young people in healthy lifestyle choices. The benefits it will provide to our elderly community members are immeasurable. What a positive way to bring all ages of our community together to build a stronger, healthier Rockingham."
Carolyn Partridge – State Representative
"The proposal for the Rockingham Area Recreation Center comes at a time when our small Vermont towns are struggling with a growing and challenging need to have healthy alternatives for youth in our communities. This multigenerational center would help provide a safe place for year-round recreation for our youth, as well as providing an opportunity for our youth and elders to connect. I support this proposal and will do my best to help the proposed Rockingham Area Recreation Center become a reality."
Senator Peter Shumlin – Senate Pro Tempore
"The beauty of this project is that it is the people in this community taking their destiny into their own hands. The backbone of the project will be community support and a continuing effort from people like the volunteers that got the proposal on its feet."
Michael Obuchowski – State Representative
Governor James Douglas visited the Rockingham Recreation Area in November 2007. Members of the Rockingham Selectboard, the Bellows Falls Village Trustees, the Municipal Manager, and many interested individuals joined Committee Chair "Lefty" Lopez as he accompanied the Governor on a brief tour of the facility and outlined the plans for a new recreation complex. "It's obviously a building that's beginning to show its age," Douglas said.
Douglas asked what is pending with the project and what fundraising had been done.
"We know that as a community we have to raise some money ourselves, we don't expect it to be all given to us from the government," Lopez said.
Douglas agreed. "I think you're right it's got to be a combination of sources to make it all work," he said.
Senator James Jeffords and Raphael "Lefty" Lopez, Chair of the Rockingham Recreation Association, at the kick-off ceremony in August, 2000. "You have come up with a local solution to complex problems — neighbors helping neighbors." Senator James Jeffords
Make It Happen: Build the Dream
Ways to Give
- Outright Gift
- The simplest way to give to the Rockingham Recreation Center is by an outright gift. You may do so on a restricted or non-restricted basis. If unrestricted, the Rockingham Recreation Association may use the funds when and how it deems appropriate. If restricted, you may designate specific purposes for the funds to be used.
Whether your contribution is in the form of cash or appreciated securities, you receive a tax deduction for the full value of the gift. In the case of appreciated securities held long-term, the full current market value is deductible, and capital gains tax is completely avoided. Similarly, gifts of partial or full interest in real estate can provide significant tax advantages. Real estate can be given with a retained life tenancy to fund a charitable trust, as described below.
- Planned Gifts
- Bequests: You can give to the Rockingham Recreation Center by specifying a dollar amount or assets on any type in your will. Bequests can provide significant reduction in estate taxes. If you are interested in making a will commitment, you should consult your lawyer for advice.
- Life Insurance: Many people have whole life policies bought years ago that are no longer necessary to provide liquidity. If ownership of a life insurance policy is transferred to the Rockingham Recreation Center, the cash surrender value of the policy is deductible as a charitable gift. If the policy names the Rockingham Recreation Center as sole beneficiary, premium payments are deductible.
- Charitable Trust: Charitable trusts provide life income. You can receive an immediate tax deduction when the gift is made, and capital gains can be avoided if the gift is made with appreciated securities or real estate. A charitable remainder trust can be particularly advantageous to donors who hold low-yielding, highly appreciated securities. The trust may allow the donor to increase income through sale and reinvestment in higher-yielding securities, while avoiding capital gains taxes. The Rockingham Recreation Center can refer donors to professionals who will provide illustrations of life-income programs and tax benefits available through a deferred gift. You are encouraged to seek professional legal and tax advice if you wish to make such a gift.
Community Support – Resident Survey
As part of the process of studying the feasibility of building a new community recreation center in Rockingham, the Rockingham Recreation Association of 2000 conducted a random sample survey of the residents. The purpose of the survey was:
- To obtain public input on the types of facilities people would like to see included
- To obtain representative public input about how many people would use such a facility
- To gain input on how people feel the operation of the facility should be paid for
- To find out if people think a new community recreation facility is needed
The survey population selected encompassed registered voters. The Rockingham survey included registered voters from Bellows Falls, Saxtons River and Rockingham. The surrounding community survey included registered voters from the nearby Vermont community of Westminster and the neighboring New Hampshire communities of Walpole and North Walpole.
The data entry and computer tabulation of responses was completed at the Center for Rural Studies at the University of Vermont. The overall confidence level in the surveys was an average of 92.5% with a plus or minus 5% margin of error.
The two highest-scoring facilities for inclusion in a new community center were an indoor pool and a multipurpose gymnasium. Other high-scoring facilities included an outdoor pool, multipurpose dance room, game room, jogging/walking track, picnic/eating area, and a community room. The highest-scoring feature for a new pool facility was an area for swim lessons. Other high-scoring features were lanes for lap swimming, a twenty-five yard competition pool, and a therapy pool.
The Rockingham Selectboard appointed 2007 committee conducted a random follow up survey of the same questions. The purpose of the survey was to compare the results of the 2001 survey with what the community would be interested in 6 years later.
This survey was conducted among Rockingham residents and was distributed through mailing and through the schools in the Rockingham district.
The two highest scoring facilities for inclusion were still the indoor pool and the multipurpose gym. However, with the escalating costs of construction, the committee recommended to the Board that the indoor pool idea be abandoned and the focus be placed on a 2-phase project with an outdoor pool and building in the first phase and an indoor multipurpose gymnasium with an elevated walking track as phase two. The total cost of the project would be approximately $4.5 million.
Respondents felt that Rockingham needs a facility like this:
2001 Survey 2007 Survey 63% responded that it is definitely needed 67% responded that it is definitely needed 21% felt that it is probably needed 14% responded that it is probably needed 7% said that it is not needed 11% said that it is not needed The survey suggests that a facility like this would be used by a majority of residents of Rockingham and the surrounding communities:
The 2001 survey showed that 76% of Rockingham respondents said they would be likely to use it and pay a reasonable user fee. The 2007 survey showed that 80% would be likely to use it and pay a reasonable user fee.
Of the people who said they would be likely to use it:
2001 Survey 2007 Survey 19% would prefer individual membership 31% would prefer individual membership 56% by family membership 53% would prefer family membership 17% by per-visit fee 16% by per-visit fee Results show that residents feel the best way to pay to operate such a facility is with a combination of user fees and taxes:
Both the 2001 and the 2007 survey results provide a strong show of support for the proposed Area Recreation Center. The results suggest that the residents of Rockingham and the surrounding communities:
- Feel that the facility is needed
- Will use the facility regardless of their age or the number of children living in their household
- Will pay reasonable fees to use the facility
- Are willing to pay additional property taxes to help operate the facility
The Rockingham Recreation Committee has copies available of the surveys.
Feasibility Study
Historically, the Rockingham Recreation Area has served both the youth and adult populations of the region with its outdoor pool, basketball courts and large playing fields. In the past several years, the facility has become run-down and is beyond reasonable repair. The committee set out to determine what activities would be most useful and popular in a new facility and what kind of a building would be appropriate to house those activities.
A study was commissioned to the architectural class of Keene State College in 2000. The result of this study was the basis for a building design that would accommodate a swimming pool, indoor basketball, some intergenerational activity space and a computer lab, along with attendant mechanical rooms and administrative space
A region-wide survey was done in the spring of 2001 in order to better understand the wishes of not only Rockingham residents, but also those in the outlying towns. The result of this survey showed that the historic use of the facility would remain the popular use. The survey was also analyzed in order to quantify what revenues could be expected, from what sources and at what frequency. In addition, the citizens committee also made trips and inquiries to other similar facilities in the region. Information gathered from these visits was used to estimate expenses on the cash flow spreadsheet in the feasibility study.
Based on the results of the feasibility study, it would appear that a facility as envisioned would, in fact, be able to provide the more popular activities as outlined by potential users and be self-sufficient from cash flow standpoint. The main objective of the committee and its ongoing word now is to raise enough money to design and build the facility and open with no debt. At this stage, final design has not been completed; therefore, final costs have not been established. But, for the purposes of cash flow, it is assumed that all expenses are offset by fees, income and contributions from the community.
Based on the feasibility study, the facility would show a positive cash flow from the first year and each year thereafter. The average positive cash per year is approximately $24,000 - $26,000. This provides an increasing bottom line and a balance of over $400,000 after 10 years. This should be thought of as money for capital reserve and any enhancements that future committees or managing committees would deem necessary.
It should be understood that while this illustration shows no debt, the cash flow would indicate that some debt could be supported. While the committee expects to raise the majority of the cash, there may come a point when 90 or more percent of the money has been raised, and it might seem prudent to borrow the balance in order to start the project. At the time when total costs are within at least a 10 percent margin of error, an informed decision could be made on the ability of the project to sustain debt.
The Rockingham Recreation Committee has copies available of the entire study.
