The Dubois Community Recreation Center Board is seeking county-wide input for the design of a multi-use recreation (rec) center for all Fremont County residents. An open forum style input meeting for those wishing to share ideas, ask questions, and get involved is planned for Thursday, March 5th, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm at the Dubois Town Hall.
The Board has researched rec center ideas for over a year, shared Board Vice President Melissa Claar-Reed. They became a nonprofit in January and plan to use a leisure pool, waterpark area for not only residents, but tourists and passersby to make the center sustainable. “We are in a unique traffic situation with our location to Yellowstone and summer traffic,” Melissa said. They have done feasibility studies with numbers based on the Visitor’s Council, and it has shown the center will more than sustain itself with the amount of traffic headed to and from Yellowstone.
The town has been super supportive, and very much behind this project, Melissa explained. “Our mindset is this is a joint community effort; it’s not just meant for Dubois. We want to improve the quality of life for all of Fremont County.”
Schools can take their students to different programs at the center, Fremont County School District #2 could have a swim team, Special Olympics can hold events there, Search and Rescue can use it as a training facility, and so much more. Melissa made it clear they want this to be an affordable place for Fremont County residents to enjoy and use for the betterment of the county.
It’s not confirmed at this point, but the center could sit on the approximately 12 acres of land by Pete’s Pond that was donated to the Town of Dubois for recreation purposes. There is talk of a 99-year lease, Melissa continued, things are not guaranteed yet, but it doesn’t look like it will be an issue.
The first financial milestone they need to reach is raising $27,000 to have the conceptual plans drawn up. The architect who designed the soon to open National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois has agreed to do the conceptual plans for the center. A few donors are ready to chip in once these plans are complete, but community support is needed to see this project to fruition.
After the March 5th meeting, the Board will convene to make plans for fundraisers and grants. Right now, every little bit helps. Donations can be made online by clicking here or can be mailed here: Dubois Community Recreation Center, P.O. Box 1254, Dubois, WY 82513.
The Dubois Community Recreation Center Board hopes to build an outdoor amphitheater soon as well. To bring in more visitors and entertainment to Fremont County.
Visit the Dubois Community Recreation Center Facebook page for the most up-to-date information about upcoming meetings, ideas, etc. Melissa also encourages folks to reach out with any questions or concerns. “We are an open book.”