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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Blaze severely damages northwest Medford warehouse ... Concealed-gun ruling may fuel Oregon legislation in 2017 ... Medford builder Louis Mahar II arrested for assault ... Blaze severely damages northwest Medford warehouse ... Concealed-gun ruling may fuel Oregon legislation in 2017 ... Medford builder Louis Mahar II arrested for assault ... RECREATION Does Medford need another pool? Survey says: Yes Comment By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Follow @@reporterdm MailTribune.com By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Follow @@reporterdm Posted Jun. 10, 2016 at 9:35 AM Updated Jun 10, 2016 at 2:57 PM By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Follow @@reporterdm Posted Jun. 10, 2016 at 9:35 AM Updated Jun 10, 2016 at 2:57 PM » Social News A top priority for Medford residents who participated in a survey is a swimming pool that would replace one torn out at Hawthorne Park. But paying for a pool and other facilities could come with a $25 million price tag, which prompted City Councilor Clay Bearnson to suggest creating a district of several local cities to create a regional swimming pool in Medford. Brian Sjothun, director of Medford Parks and Recreation, told City Council Thursday that forming a special district has been discussed but could be problematic. “Having to rely on the votes of the other communities is going to be difficult,” he said. In a survey of 670 Medford households, representing 1,845 residents, 55.9 percent said they wanted a multiuse aquatic facility. Another 22.6 percent indicated a strong preference for an outdoor seasonal aquatic center at Hawthorne Park. Of the respondents, 9.3 percent said they didn’t think the city needed any new aquatic centers other than the existing pool next to Jackson Elementary. Sjothun said both Ashland and Central Point have discussed building their own pools. Southern Oregon University demolished its indoor pool in January. Sjothun said cities typically want swimming pools in their own communities. After the city tore out Hawthorne Pool, Sjothun said, local residents have been relying more on the YMCA. “It’s really putting a burden on the YMCA,” he said. The City Council is gearing up to adopt a 10-year plan to improve and add parks, with a wish list of $48.5 million in projects, partially funded by fees on new development. An aquatic facility and recreation center that could be built in Hawthorne Park would cost about $18.3 million. However, the actual cost for a facility in Hawthorne Park could run about $25 million. The parks and recreation wish list included $11 million for park expansions and upgrades, $9 million for developing new paths and trails and $10 million for land purchases for new parks. In the survey of local residents, 62.1 percent said they wanted permanent or upgraded bathrooms in city parks. Another popular amenity residents want in local parks is more picnic tables, benches and picnic shelters. The proposed Leisure Services Plan found that Medford could support nine new parks to service its growing population. Six of the proposed parks would be in east Medford and three in west Medford. Councilor Chris Corcoran pointed out that west Medford has fewer pedestrian trails than east Medford. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 541-776-4476 or [email protected] . Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/reporterdm . By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Follow @@reporterdm MailTribune.com By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Follow @@reporterdm Posted Jun. 10, 2016 at 9:35 AM Updated Jun 10, 2016 at 2:57 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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