2021  marked the third attempt by the Recreation District to propose a recreation center to replace the Icabone Swimming Pool which had been in operation for 55 years.  Just like the previous two efforts,  a grassroots group of citizens partnered with the District to try and bring this type of facility to our community.  There was also involvement from both the City of Cañon City and the Cañon City School District.  The work on this project began back in 2016, by a large group of citizens known as Recreation Enhances our Community, with a goal of going to the vote in November of 2020.  Due to the pandemic the Recreation District Board of Directors choose to delay the vote to the election in 2021. 

The proposal was for a 55,000 square foot recreation center featuring a lap pool, leisure pool, water slide, two court gymnasium, multipurpose rooms, classroom, cardio room, weight room, walking track, and childcare center.  The plan was to also allow room for potential expansion of the gymnasium.  The center would have been a combination of traditional construction and pre-engineered metal building to reduce the cost.  The type of facility, its size, amenities, and location were all determined through multiple surveys, focus groups, and public meetings. The plan was created with the help of recreation-based architecture firm Barker Rinker Seacat and their partners.

There were two ballot questions associated with this project.  Question 6A was a 3.5 mill levy increase for operations of the recreation center and the District.  This tax would not sunset.  Question 6B was for a General Obligation Bond in the amount of $30 million and would sunset in either 30 years or after the bonds were paid off, whichever came first.

On election day the voters of the Recreation District said no to both ballot measures.  For Question 6A, 9,392 citizens cast their votes with 5,556 (59%) saying no and 3,836 (41%) saying yes. For Question 6B, 9,389 citizens cast their votes with 5,405 (58%) saying no and 3,984 (42%) saying yes.