Hermiston asks for input on indoor pool proposal

By Terry Murry on Wednesday, July 8th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

HERMISTON – Hermiston officials are working with a task force to develop concepts for an indoor swimming pool and more. The project for the Health, Aquatics, and Wellness Center (HAWC) is being led by a group of people from the city as well as nearby cities as well as educational organizations, healthcare, and utility providers.

Assistant City Manager Mark Morgan says that the city is in a strong position to build the facility, thanks in part to data centers, but citizen input is essential.

“We’re trying to gauge the community feedback on what they’d like to see in the facility,” Morgan said. “Then, after that, there are some additional surveys, not the least of which being how much would folks be willing to pay.”

Morgan pointed out that while the city feels it’s in a position to build the facility, it will be essential for the citizens to buy into it as it will require maintenance.

The surveys and more information can be found at Health, Aquatic and Wellness Center | Hermiston, OR.

Preliminary conceptual drawing of HAWC via the city of Hermiston