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Established in 1997, the North County Recreation District (NCRD) was formed by a community-driven effort to preserve and support the historic 1930 swimming pool at the former Nehalem Lower Elementary School. The pool was built following a tragic drowning incident involving two local boys, highlighting the need for swimming education in the community. In 1996, a grassroots campaign led to a successful ballot measure, securing funding to maintain the pool and other recreational programs. Over the years, NCRD has expanded its offerings to include a fitness center, performing arts center, youth and adult programs, and outdoor recreation facilities. In 2020, the community approved a bond measure to build a new aquatics center, ensuring the continuation of the district's mission to promote the educational, social, and physical well-being of the north Tillamook County community. Our mission is to promote the educational, social, and physical well-being of the entire north county community by offering activities for all ages and abilities in an inviting environment.
North County Recreation District began operations in 1997. It was created by a vote of the people in November of 1996 and passed with more than a 60% majority. The ballot measure established a tax base to provide funding for minor maintenance of the building and support for the community center and its 3 existing programs. It was intended as a lifeline for the Pool, and support for the Fitness Center (one room back then) and a Teen Center. If it hadn’t passed the Pool would have closed.
At that time the building, which was originally a school built in 1920, was still owned by the School District. NCRD didn’t own anything. Its only assets were its programs. This included the School Swim Program and carrying on the tradition that began in 1930 when the Pool was built, of providing every child in the community the opportunity to learn how to swim as part of their basic education.
NCRD adopted its current mission statement in December of 1999 and began working on a 20 Year Plan. Some of the stated goals were; to one day own the building, have a theatre, a senior center, and more programs for youth including a little league baseball program.
In 2002 NCRD acquired ownership of the building and began doing maintenance and repairs that had been deferred for years. Besides its historic significance the building has the distinction of being designed by renowned Portland architect, AE Doyle.
In 2007 we acquired ownership of the baseball field from the county and named it Rex Champ Field. This allowed for the expansion of our sports programs as well as creating a venue for large outdoor events.
In 2016 the renovation of the old auditorium was completed. The space has been transformed into a beautiful new state of the art Performing Arts Center.
Released the first of 2018, this video tells the NCRD story of how a building came to hold the spirit of the community. Architectural conceptual plans of the NEW POOL are included in the video.
Why the Pool Was Built - An interview with Vern Scovell.
NCRD is committed to serving all members of our community, and we take special pride in our long history of welcoming persons with a great diversity of backgrounds; people with disabilities or special needs; adults; children; and seniors.
Although our main building was constructed almost 100 years ago, we have invested in a wheelchair ramp to our main entrance; constructed an ADA accessible restroom on the main floor; converted a freight elevator so that it can assist people in accessing our 90 year old pool; built ADA accessible pickleball courts; added smoke/fire alarm systems which include strobe lights for the hearing impaired; invested in adding ADA restrooms to our Performing Arts Center (now in progress) ; and are now beginning the transition to a new 100% accessible swimming pool.
We also have a scholarship program that can help families with limited financial resources to access our programs. Our staff in Aquatics, Youth Center, Fitness Center, and Administration have all participated in a variety of specialized trainings over the years which include serving people with a very broad array of special needs. More recent training has included the specific subjects of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Most importantly, our staff genuinely value their unique contributions to the quality of life for everyone in our community.
See more details about how each department works with these concepts, and how they are adapting to individual needs & requests.
If there are questions regarding accessibility, accommodations, or with any of the subjects discussed above, please call the Welcome Center at 971-308-0300.
Friends of NCRD’s Mission is to support NCRD by promoting it and raising funds for its programs and projects. In 2022, Friends of NCRD raised more than $27,000 for Youth, Aquatics and Fitness scholarships, together with NCRD programs and projects.
Friends’ volunteers have given generously over the years in support of NCRD. Flower sales, cut flower arrangements in the summer and a variety of bulbs in the fall, have been a major source of fundraising. The Flower Committee and about thirty volunteers helped with daily flower sales over the summer months.
The Plastic Project Committee encouraged community recycling and gifted three outdoor benches to NCRD. Friends of NCRD also collaborated with the Fitness Center on “Pop Goes the Heart”, a February fundraiser for new fitness equipment.
Without volunteers none of this could happen. Friends of NCRD welcomes new members and volunteers to help support its mission. Become a member of Friends. Volunteer to help with a fundraiser. Be part of the support for North County Recreation District, one of our community’s most valuable resources.
Justin Smith serves as the Executive Director of North County Recreation District, bringing over 15 years of leadership in parks and recreation, aquatics, and facility management. A Certified Park and Recreation Professional, Justin is known for his innovative approach to community programming, strong fiscal oversight, and dedication to public service. Prior to joining NCRD, he led multiple departments at Sunset Empire Park and Recreation District, managing diverse teams and multimillion-dollar budgets. At NCRD, he is focused on expanding access, strengthening partnerships, and delivering high-quality recreational opportunities for the North County community.
Board Chair
Director Position 3
Board Vice Chair
Director Position 1
Nehalem
Board Secretary
Director Position 2
Director Position 4
Nehalem
Director Position 5
NCRD is looking for individuals to be part of our Fitness team. Opportunities are available for certified Fitness Instructors. Click below to download application.
NCRD is looking for individuals to be part of our Aquatics team. Opportunities are available for Swim Program Manager, Swim Coach, Swim Instructors and Lifeguards. Where necessary, we are willing to provide certification training to individuals who possess all the other skills required. Full and part-time positions. Full-time with benefits including health insurance, retirement plan, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays. . Click below to download application.
The Youth Assistant is responsible for providing supervision and activities for school-aged children. The incumbent regularly communicates with parents, staff, and the Youth Director. Several part-time positions available, 5-20 hours per week. Positions open until filled. Click the link below to view complete details.
