The Madras Aquatic Center Recreation District will close its doors to the public beginning June 15 after voters rejected a pair of restructuring ballot measures that would have stabilized funding for the district. The failure has triggered layoffs, the suspension of summer programs, and a significant scale-back in services through the next school year.

“Our board as a collective is, of course, very disappointed in the outcome of this election,” said board vice-chair Jinnell Lewis, MD. “We held our listening sessions to get public input almost two years ago and as part of our five- and 10-year strategic plans for the district, wanted to provide all of the things our communities requested including expanding hours and opportunities in both aquatics and land-based activities. These proposed measures would have provided the funding needed to accomplish all of these goals and now will not be possible.”

A total of 27% of registered voters turned out for the election, 4,699 ballots. 53.8% of voters chose yes to dissolving the district, 52.12% voted no to reforming it. Both measures had to pass to take affect. Both district measures only passed in the Warm Springs precinct, and in none of the 13 other precincts included in the district.

In response to the election defeat, the plan, outlined on the website since early this year, says the MAC will close June 15 through Sept. 29, when it will reopen offering afternoon/early evening aquatics programming that will include swim lessons and junior swim team, aquatics fitness classes, independent lap swim and work outs, splash downs and family swims.

No outdoor recreation and sports activities will be held this summer, or are planned for next school year.

The plan also outlines employee lay-offs, with final working days aligned with the district’s last scheduled open swim on June 14.  A board member said in a social media post that about 20 employees will be laid off.

The district has scheduled a series of meetings to determine next steps, meeting focused on finalizing layoff plans and reductions in force.

Fall reopening — limited hours, no enrichment

The MACRD board’ plan, outlined on the website, says this summer’s closure will be used to bring the aquatic center into compliance with updated state aquatics facility rules. The center is scheduled to reopen on Sept. 29, offering limited weekday hours from 3 to 6 p.m. during the school year.

All land-based enrichment and sports programs will be discontinued for the foreseeable future. In addition, any unplanned maintenance issues could result in temporary closures, according to the district.

“We are hoping to do what we can with the funding we have but also have to consider the maintenance costs we are incurring to keep the facility running safely,” said Lewis. She expressed gratitude to the Friends of the MACRD volunteers and other local board members who contribute time and energy to sustaining community services.