Idaho Competitive Aquatics and the Greater Boise Aquatic Centre
Idaho Competitive Aquatics, LLC. (ICA) is a for-profit endeavor intent on creating an elite competitive aquatics center in the Treasure Valley. ICA aims to provide a facility for competitive swim teams, masters programs, water polo teams, member-based lap swimming, and a robust lesson program.
ICA Mission and Goals
To foster and preserve aquatics safety and the competitive swimming traditions established in the Treasure Valley. The organization’s two main goals are to preserve aquatics safety and the competitive swimming traditions established in the Treasure Valley.
ICA is building a competitive aquatics facility that will feature an International Swimming Federation (FINA-approved) 50 meter by 25-yard pool and a second 25-yard teaching pool. It will be the only such pool in the state and an inviting facility to hold swim meets and tournaments year-round.
District Involvement and Financial Investment
During the November 2020 regular board meeting, ICA began discussions with The District Board about a competitive aquatic facility. In the following months, ICA made additional presentations to The District board of directors during either a scheduled board meeting or work session. Links to each presentation are included below.
With investment from The District and other sources, ICA is building the Greater Boise Aquatic Centre. Through a public-private partnership, The District has purchased the land and a building for the GBAC in a total investment not to exceed $9.6 million dollars. The location is 3575 S. Findley Avenue, Boise, ID 83706.
Additional structure, operations expenses, and management are the responsibility of ICA. The District has no operational involvement with GBAC.
ICA will pay annual lease payments to The District and is making monthly lease payments in the short term.
ICA presentation to The District board of directors that included land acquisition, development cost, operations, economic impact, and proposed investment structure.
ICA presentation to The District board of directors that included land acquisition at 3575 S. Findley Avenue, event/meet bid process, and facility questions.
Land Purchase and Lease Agreement for Aquatics Facility reviewed and approved by The District Board of Directors.
October 1, 2021
The District purchased the property and becomes the official land owner.
FAQs
An aquatics facility was first proposed in 2013 and supported by the leadership then in place with Boise State University swimming, YMCA, and other community partners.
The project was proposed to The District in November 2020 and falls within Auditorium District provisions set forth by the Idaho Legislature, specifically chapters, 67-4902, 67-4912F and 67-4922A. Importantly, the project benefits both the community and furthers economic impact in the Boise area.
The District’s mission is to develop spaces for community engagement that facilitate the greatest positive benefit to our community.
With investment from The District and other sources, ICA is building the Greater Boise Aquatic Centre. Through a public-private partnership, The District has purchased the land and the building for the GBAC in a total investment not to exceed $9.6 million dollars as of November 17, 2022. The location is 3575 S Findley Avenue, Boise, ID 83706.
Additional structure, operations expenses, and management are the responsibility of ICA. The District has no operational involvement with GBAC.
The GBAC is a desirable public amenity and will provide water for swimming that is sorely needed. In addition to competitive swimming, the aquatics center will offer learn-to-swim lessons, water polo as well as rehabilitation, and other aquatics activities such as lap swimming for general public use.
For the hotels, restaurants, and other retail establishments in the area, it will increase the number of competitive events; including several meets and tournaments that draw competitors from across the country requiring lodging and other services. Visitors to our city generate local economic benefit, which is the mission of The District.
Statutory provisions Title 67 Chapter 49 Idaho Code specifically allow The District to purchase land and other facilities. The District has reserve funds available for these types of projects. Full financial documents are included on the Finances page of the website.
The goal is to expand those events by providing a pool designed to meet the specific requirements to hold competitive swimming and racing events. The planned ICA facility will feature an International Swimming Federation (FINA-approved) 50 meter by 25-yard pool and a second 25-yard teaching pool. It will be the only such pool in the state.
ICA has already been awarded the Senior Sectional Championships in July 2023 and the Western Age Group Zone Championship in August 2023. These two meets could not be held in any other facility in Idaho.
In previous years, The District has heard many presentations about potential projects. The ICA project came forward with a full plan of operations, pro forma, and facility development. Notably, the ICA project fulfills the mission and statutory provisions of The District and has a direct and positive economic impact to the area.
Yes, The District hired Convention, Sports, and Leisure (CSL) as a consultant to perform a high-level peer review of the operational information provided by ICA. These facilities are shown to have a positive impact on the communities in which they are located.
Read CSL Peer Review.
The District Board evaluates each project on its own merit, following the project presentation format found on its website. Funding for any project outside of immediate capital demands for facility repair, renovations, and equipment is reliant on both available cash on hand as well as future bonding capabilities. One project does not preclude participation in another.
