Backers of a proposed aquatic center in Brookings Harbor hope the facility can be built three to five years after they raise enough money for a feasibility study.

That’s the timetable outlined Tuesday by Juliane Leighton, chairwoman of the nonprofit Friends of the Brookings-Harbor Aquatic Center.

She briefed local residents during a forum on the center’s progress, held at Chetco Community Public Library. Leighton emphasized that detailed planning, in the form of a feasibility study, is needed to make the venture financially sustainable.

The study could cost up to $50,000, she said, including the cost of transportation for consultants who do such studies regularly. A specific company hasn’t been chosen, but Leighton said firms with aquatic center experience are located in Colorado and California.

The study will determine such things as what kind of facilities residents want, how it could be financed, and whether the center might be developed in stages over a period of years.

“We want to bring in experts to help us do this planning,” Leighton said. “We really need someone who does this for a living, and those firms are there.”

Between $6,000 and $7,000 has been raised toward the study’s cost.

Much of that came during a July 4 fundraiser at Azalea Park and a “Swim for FBHAC” event in August. Leighton said the July 4 celebration will be held again next year, possibly along with other fundraisers such as movies in the park.

The nonprofit group, formed about a year ago, wants to add more members to its board of directors and sign up more volunteers. In addition, Leighton said advisory groups representing youths, adults, and seniors and those with disabilities will help determine what local residents want in an aquatic center.

Those facilities traditionally have a multipurpose pool for lap swimming, a warm water pool where children can take swimming lessons or seniors can get water therapy, and a leisure pool with a play structure, Leighton said.

Training for scuba diving and kayaking also could be held in the center, she said. 

However, Leighton added that many centers also have “dry” components such as an indoor walking track, climbing wall, courts for basketball and racquetball, and youth activity rooms.

“This is for the swimmer and non-swimmer,” she said. 

Leighton said the nonprofit is close to receiving official 501(c)(3) status, which will allow it to go after grants. The hope is to raise $25,000 for the feasibility study through community sources and match that with $25,000 in grants.

Among the questions that a feasibility study could answer is whether the city of Brookings would run the center or it might be operated by a nonprofit or private entity. That would determine who carries liability insurance for the facility.

In any event, Leighton said continual funding is the critical requirement.

“Sustainability is our underlying theme,” she said.