It’s August, and Vancouver Laser Skin Care Clinic has some great specials on Laser Genesis, Ultherapy, and laser hair removal.
What is Laser Genesis?
Laser Genesis is a highly effective treatment for targeting enlarged pores, texture and fine lines. Patients often describe the treatment as relaxing and therapeutic. They report a gentle warming of the skin’s surface during the procedure. Patients who incorporate IPL and Laser Genesis treatments as a part of their beauty routine maintain radiant, youthful skin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Genesis
How does it feel?
Patients report a warming of the skin that is quite relaxing.
What is the downtime?
There is no down time.
How long before I see results?
The benefits can be seen instantly with your skin showing a healthy glow and will continue to improve over the following week.
Are there any side effects?
There are no side effects.
The August Laser Genesis special is get a Free Microdermabrasion with the purchase of a Laser Genesis treatment.
Laser Genesis: Before and after.
What is Ultherapy?
Ultherapy® is a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure that utilizes the power of focused ultrasound technology, and sound waves to simulate collagen to lift, tone and tighten the skin. The Ultherapy procedure can be performed on the eyes, brow, face, neck and under the chin and chest. This technology stimulates the production of collagen resulting in continuous improvement of the tone and tightness. An Ultherapy procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the area treated. Ultherapy delivers outstanding results without surgery or downtime.
The August Ultherapy Special is Purchase a lower neck treatment get the upper face free ($1,500 savings!)
Visit www.VancouverLaserSkinCareClinic.com
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a treatment that safely and effectively removes unwanted hair. It works by targeting the brown and black pigments in the hair, effectively reducing growth with each treatment.
When Vancouver Laser Skin Care Clinic (VLSCC) decided to move its offices to Downtown Camas, they brought more than 30 years of aesthetic laser and skin care experience and an array of treatments and products that rejuvenate skin and restore your youthful glow. They feel good when you look great.
Their office at 715 NE 5th Avenue is charming, and peaceful, and is part of the history and future of Camas, a quaint and successful town that many say is a city about wellness.
“We love being part of this wonderful and historic downtown scene,” said Keller, who owns VLSCC. “And, we invite you to come see what we’re all about. — from pre-teen/adult acne sufferers to mature patients.”
VLSCC offers many services, including: IPL, Chemical Peels, Microneedling, Ultherapy, Face and Leg Vein Removal, Botox, and more!
Friends and family are rallying together to assist Feast @316 Chef Benjamin Ortega, known to many as “Chef Ben,” “Benji” or “Benny” as he recovers from a serious car accident.
On July 17, Chef Ben was involved in a tragic car accident along the Oregon Coast. According to Feast @316 owner, Melissa McCusker, a log truck turned toward the highway without stopping, and Chef Ben didn’t have enough time to stop, causing his car to slide under the truck and become wedged underneath.
“It took first responders 90 minutes to get him out,” said McCusker. “Then they took him to Portland OHSU and he had a dislocated jaw, fractured vertebrae, broken collar bones, broken ribs. He had two surgeries. He’s at home now recovering. He has worked for Feast for four years, and has a four-year-old son named Chinook and a loving wife, Ingrid.”
McCusker said he has insurance covered through Feast, but the GoFundMe is there to cover the extra expenses.
Chef Ben with son, Chinook.
“He’ll likely be out for a good three months,” said McCusker. “Everyone’s been pitching in in the kitchen.”
The GoFundMe organizers said “After seeing the photos of the accident it is unbelievable that he survived and the injuries were not worse. Surgery was done to fix the broken jaw and today he is home under the care of his family. It will be some time until Benjamin can go back to work. Until then, we humbly ask for your financial support to help with medical and living expenses.”
Feast patrons recognize Chef Ben for his creative culinary abilities and for his contributions to the excellent food prepared at their restaurant. Feast @316 is local steakhouse and a favorite destination for many. To learn more about Feast @316, visit www.CamasFeast316.com
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/07080233/815A07D1-ECCA-4F97-933A-83B9E93DC055.jpeg378760Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-07-31 19:57:062019-07-31 19:57:14Feast @316’s Chef Ben Recovering From Serious Car Accident
Vancouver, WA — The law firm, McKeanSmith LLC, officially moved into their spacious new offices at the stunning Vancouver Waterfront on April 1, and they couldn’t be happier.
“I love the fact that Vancouver is reclaiming its waterfront,” said Collin McKean, the firm’s co-founder. “I find that being next to water is an inspiring place to be. I grew up living on a body of water and it’s a great way to give clients a calming location to do our work and help them through their life transitions.”
The firm, established in 2015, moved their nine employees from their downtown Vancouver office to the fifth floor of the Murdock Tower, which has commanding views of the Columbia River and the I-5 bridge. The nearly 3,800 square foot space gives McKeanSmith room to grow. Their Vancouver office provides legal services in the following areas: family law (including collaborative family law), employment law, business law, general litigation, and criminal law. They also have offices in Portland and Hillsboro.
“As lawyers, we work hard, sometimes long hours for our clients, and it’s important to be in a place you like to be in,” said McKean. “Given we have a front row seat to the waterfront, we’ve taken a unique approach to the gathering space. The location is also comforting to our clients, who are often going through major life changes.”
Several McKeanSmith employees at Vancouver’s Waterfront.
The move is also a reflection of the firm’s positive momentum.
“We have a good reputation so we continue to get referrals in from our clients for family law work, and our attorneys are very active in the community,” said McKean. “We value them, and invest in small businesses and support them. We’re looking to increase our employment law practice and support for small businesses. We’re handling typical small business issues with transactional litigation needs.”
And, their work isn’t going unnoticed by their peers.
“We’re proud our lawyers have been recognized in Vancouver for Best Lawyer designations. Annelisa Smith, Deanna Rusch, and I are Super Lawyer Rising Stars,” said McKean. “We’re also ranked top tier in the Portland/Vancouver metro area by US News and World Report, which ranks all firms.”
The office, with its modern touches, brings in a lot of natural light, and a nearly 180 degree view of the waterfront and downtown Vancouver.
“The office offers a calm and serene location and atmosphere because whether they’re new or existing they’re all in some form of turmoil, so you can’t underestimate the importance of that,” said Rusch.
“I have a beautiful view of Mt. Hood, the river and the I-5 Bridge, and kind of just the whole eastern part of the waterfront development that is still under construction. I like watching the boats go by.”
“Family law was the cornerstone of the practice so that was really what they had been doing. Since then, Collin especially has grown into other practice areas. So, when I joined the firm in October 2017 it was to continue my family law practice, which is mostly in Clark County. I represent anyone, mostly in divorces, and my clients range from little to no assets to high assets.”
Art from Attic Gallery in Camas.
And, as part of their commitment to small business and things local, the firm invested heavily in local art to adorn their new office space.
Rusch put partners McKean and Smith in touch with Maria Gonser, owner of Attic Gallery in downtown Camas. Gonser works with local artists, and assisted them with the whole process, even taking a Sunday afternoon to hang the artwork in entrance, hallway, and conference room.
“The art on left-hand side in the conference room are from the Sandra Jones Campbell Pendleton series,” said Gonser. “She had 30 paintings in that series. The pieces on the other side are all from Pendleton. The ‘Broad Shoulders’ cowboy is her father. The ones on the right are inspired from old photographs. She’ll get a series of photographs from a particular era and she recreates those pictures in her paintings.”
McKeanSmith also bought an Earl Hamilton abstract, wood carvings by Monica Setziol-Phillips, and a massive piece by Cedar Lee.
“Collin and Annelisa went through this process with great detail,” said Rusch. “I’m very appreciative of their support and follow through.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/07080249/F13CB18F-344D-4F17-BE95-391B0D4CB94C-scaled.jpeg8812560Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-07-31 11:47:122019-07-31 11:48:00McKeanSmith Law Firm Expands Into Murdock Vancouver Waterfront Tower
One Stop Home Furnishings has a rich Camas history and a proven track record at recognizing trends and being there for their customer base. We sat down with store owners Dave and Molly Fletcher as they answered questions about business, family, and local history. Please enjoy this Q&A format.
The store is located at 2140 SE 8th Avenue, right at the SR 14 roundabout and on-ramp.
How long has One Stop Home Furnishings been here?
The business started in 1954, when it was incorporated. My grandfather started it in the One Stop Shopping Center, the same complex where Domino’s Pizza is today. My grandmother was a driving force. My grandparents built that shopping center. It was one of the first in the northwest, and it was revolutionary. There was free parking. They had a grocery store, a shoe store, a hardware store, Nan Henriksen’s father had a drug store — all in one center. I remember as a kid going to some of those stores.
Hazel and Mickey Schwary were the ones who started it in 1954. Then dad and mom, Winn and Joanne Fletcher, came in 1958.
They started in the back side where the driving school used to be. Then after my father came in, they expanded, and added furniture and mattresses. Eventually, we moved into the anchor spot, and then we moved into this much larger location on April 1, 1998. We’ve been here 21 years.
We were in the old place for 44 years, and we’ve been here at this location for 21 years, so now we’re the oldest independent furniture store by quite a bit.
We bought the business from my mom and dad, and I’ve been working it since 1983. Molly came in seven years ago full-time. Needless to say, it’s a family business. We work pretty hard at it.
We’ve been here almost 65 years. And, there are several other longtime local family-run businesses, as well — such as Lutz, Gunderson Les Schwab Tires, Runyan’s, Westlie Ford, Columbia Litho and Washougal Lumber. We all have longevity. I believe that businesses don’t hang around a long time if they don’t treat customers well.
This vibrant blue adds pop to any family living space.
What do you want to be known most for?
Good quality product at good prices and great values. I think also the fact that we’ve been here so long people can trust us. And, if a problem arises, we react quickly. We work hard to maintain a good reputation in the community.
We get a lot of five stars on our ratings, but this is how we grew up — by taking care of people. We take care of people, not account numbers.
It’s a pretty personal approach, we’re not on commission here. It’s a “turtle and the hare” type of approach, and we’re the turtle. The pace is a little different than some stores. Doing business this way is more comfortable and fun. This is the type of business we really enjoy.
We’re also very proud of the 59-year run we had selling appliances, but it got to the point where there were too few places to buy furniture, and many places to buy appliances. We felt there would be an increasing need for furniture and mattresses in our area, due to growth projections. The trick is staying current, and adapting to new trends.
My wife is so good with colors and decorating. We have designers that we work with, and we do have a few that we recommend.
I would say we have a friendly atmosphere, we go out of our way by helping people match up what they have in their minds with what we can offer. We don’t expect to close every sale, but we are very competitively priced.
A reclining sectional sofa.
What are all the things you sell?
Stanton — we like them because they’re local and family owned, been around for 40+ years. Beautyrest, Serta, Ashley, England Furniture, which is owned by Lazy Boy, which is made in Tennessee. They have so many fabrics. Aspen makes case goods, anything with wood — bedroom sets, dining sets, occasional tables. Whittier Wood, made in Eugene, is also a very quality line. We have 12-15 brands that we do most of our business with.
Why should people visit One Stop Home Furnishings?
Price is always king. You don’t stay in business for 65 years if you’re not priced well. Plus, there’s there personal touch. If there are problems we will deal with them because it’s a personal thing to me. I take it personally if we goof up.
We really try to make sure that people get what they pay for, and we want people to know we care.
We say hello and let people absorb what we have, there’s no pressure here.
We have an upstairs bargain area, too. Our main focus, though, is selling quality items.
And, it’s been interesting over these 65 years, we’ve seen many brands that didn’t survive us. I went to Camas High School, graduated in 1974, and I’ve seen a lot of changes to the area.
We go to two furniture markets each year and we keep up with new products, colors, fabrics, and styles. Every 18-24 months colors start to change.
One Stop Home Furnishings offers a great selection of mattresses and bed frames.
Even in today’s Internet world, we encourage customers to try it before they buy it. Lay down, sit down, recline, feel it. Usually with things you’re going to sleep on, you would feel more comfortable trying it instead of just hoping it works.
We’re quite a different store from 10 years ago by getting out of the appliance business and upgrading much of our furniture offerings.
People are usually surprised and, hopefully, impressed by what they see inside. If someone has never been in before, we always invite them to stop in for just a visit. Plus, come by and meet our four-legged mascots, Cubby and Cooper!
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/07080308/503C6591-0FD3-4D07-B0DF-985678A614CB-scaled.jpeg13222560Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-07-31 11:12:582019-07-31 21:03:00One Stop Home Furnishings: Success Through Three Generations
After months of preparation, Ducky Derby 2019 is a wrap.
A few hundred spectators gathered along the Washougal River Sunday afternoon to see if their ducky would win the annual race — and an array of great prizes. The Ducky Derby is a fun community event that raises significant funds to benefit local student scholarships, school programs, and humanitarian projects.
Here is the official list of winners and the prizes won:
1 week Alaska Cruise plus $1500 cash: Kristen Boos
$1000 cash: Awna Underwood
$500 cash: Gene Cox
$1000 hand crafted table: Kate Davis
$800 Traeger Grill: Amy Rasmussen
$400 HP Laptop Elitebook: Rich Biggs
$275 4 Rounds of Golf with Cart at Orchard Hills: Lynda Taylor
“The winner of the last place duck prize is Barbara Gutzler,” said CW Rotary president, Nan Henriksen. “She will be receiving a water cooler jug full of prizes and rubber ducks. This prize is a reminder that every duck in the race is a winner because each represents dollars that enable us to make a positive difference in our community and our world.”
Each year, community members buy tickets for $10 apiece, which are sold by Camas Washougal Rotary Club members directly and at events, such as the Camas Car Show and the annual Camas Days festival. The club is grateful for local sponsors, donors and ticket buyers.
Camas-Washougal Rotary Club is part of an international service organization that works to improves communities by assisting with education, health services, charitable giving, and disaster relief. The local chapter meets every Thursday morning at Orchard Hills Golf Club, and holds several special events throughout the year.
The Camas-Washougal Babe Ruth All-Stars struggled to find their bats Wednesday evening while facing the All-Stars from Glacier, Montana.
CW found themselves behind 0-3 by the end of the 1st inning. The lead off batter from Montana came out swinging with a double into left field. CW starting pitcher, Trey Briggs, did a great job on the mound, but the Montana batting line-up followed with a base hit, bringing in their first run. Montana continued with a another single, base on balls, and a 2-run single to finish off the inning.
Relief pitcher for CW, Dax Clifton, was brought in at the bottom of the 4th. Even though Clifton had 3 strikeouts during the remainder of the game, Montana managed to score again in the 4th and 6th innings, making their lead 5-0 by the end of the 6th.
CW rallied in the top of the 7th with a double by Nate Adams. Keyser brought Adams in with a 1-run single, finally putting CW on the board, The final score was 1-5 for the night.
The annual Camas Days is fast approaching with festivities beginning Thursday night.
The annual event, which is organized by the Camas Washougal Chamber of Commerce, has some changes this year.
“We are placing 114 assorted vendors, 12 food vendors this year, of which two are brand-new: Coast to Coast Seafood, and Bao Quach Sides (Vietnamese cuisine),” said Brent Erickson, CW Chamber Executive Director. “We’re bringing in Beth Willis Band, they are opening. Hot Shots, which was previously called Wise Guys will be perforating, as well. The Kid’s Street climbing wall, fast pitch, and caterpillar crawl are all coming back.”
This year’s Camas Days has 56 parade entries, with the main parade starting at 11 usually ending by 12:30 pm on Saturday.
“Having organized the event for 19 years it brings back memories for me about what a community festival was like in my time in the 1960s,” said Erickson. “So, Camas Days today is a huge community festival to bring everyone into the downtown core, young and old, for people to meet up for class reunions, and to see friends again. It brings in 12,000 people into the downtown corridor. Camas Days would not be as successful as it is without the 100+ volunteers it takes to run the show, be it the wine garden and the microbrew, and the people who help Tim Hazen on the parade.”
We’ve included a full schedule of events.
THURSDAY
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm CONCERT IN THE PARK @ Crown Park featuring Brian Odell Band (Funk, Fusion & Folk Rock)
4:30 pm – 8:00 pm ENCHANTED EVENING SENIORS PROM @ Columbia Ridge Senior Living: 4:30 – 5:30 Formal Dinner; 5:30 – 8 pm Dancing. RSVP to Columbia Ridge (360) 335-1238. Dinner cost for guests $15.
FRIDAY
10:00 am – 8:00 pm VENDOR BOOTHS OPEN Six City blocks, downtown Camas. Handmade crafts, gifts food and more!
10:00 am – 8:00 pm FOOD BOOTHS Birch between 3rd and 4th Avenue. Food from all over the world, and your classic festival favorites!
11:00 am – 8:00 pm KIDS STREET: Climb For Fun! Rockwall, fast-pitch, jump house, slide and more on Dallas & 4th.
11:30 am KIDS PARADE LINE UP & JUDGING: In front of City Hall, 4th & Franklin. 12:15pm KIDS PARADE BEGINS
5:00 pm – 11 p.m. (Gates close at 10:30) A TOAST OF CAMAS: Wine & Microbrew Street. On Birch Street, between 4th & 5th. Live Music! Blues rock & classic rock all evening long! $5 entry at the door, 21 and over only. Entertainment: 5:00 – 7:00 The Beth Willis Band & 7:00- 11:00: The Hot Shots
SATURDAY
7:30 am – 11:00 am BLUEBERRY PANCAKE BREAKFAST Camas United Methodist Church at 14th & Garfield.
10:00 am – 8:00 pm VENDOR BOOTHS OPEN Six City blocks, downtown Camas. Handmade crafts, gifts food and more!
10:00 am – 8:00 pm FOOD BOOTHS Birch between 3rd and 4th Avenue. Food from all over the world, and your classic festival favorites!
USED BOOK SALE at the Camas Library Thursday 10 am-6 pm, Friday 10 am-6 pm, Saturday 10 am-6 pm and Monday 10 am to 3 pm (bag sale, bring a bag and fill it for $5!).
11:00 am – 8:00pm KIDS STREET: Climb For Fun! Rockwall, fast-pitch, jump house, slide and more on Dallas & 4th.
11:00 am CAMAS DAYS GRAND PARADE – “Candyland” themed parade! 4th Avenue, Oak to Adams.
5:00 pm – 11 pm (Gates close at 10:30) A TOAST OF CAMAS: Wine & Microbrew Street. On Birch Street, between 4th & 5th. Live Music! Blues rock & classic rock all evening long! $5 entry at the door, 21 and over only. Entertainment: 5:00 – 7:00: The Beth Willis Band & 7:00- 11:00: The Hot Shots.
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Steak Feed at Grove Field: Field BBQ your own steak! (chicken available). Dinner includes 6 oz Steak, Salad, Baked Potato, Lemonade, Pork & Beans, & Cake $15 per person (PRICE INCLUDES INTRODUCTORY MEMBERSHIP IN CWAA). Proceeds benefit CWAA scholarship fund. Bring your own steak knife!
SUNDAY
8:00 am – 7:00 pm ANNUAL SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT ASA sanctioned “D” tournament at Ione & 19th.
10:00 am-4 pm GROVE FIELD OPEN HOUSE: Raffle, plane rides @ $25, Airplane displays, soft drinks.
12:00 pm DUCKY DERBY Watch from the 3rd Ave Bridge on the Washougal River as the C/W Rotary Club launches all its ducks and a grand prize winner is chosen!
11:00am – 4pm PICNIC IN COLOR: Held in downtown Camas on Cedar between 4th and 5th Avenue.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/07080423/C2FCE467-9ECF-4D0C-A9A0-D8075849AB93-scaled.jpeg18953971Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-07-24 00:08:502019-07-26 00:03:06Camas Days 2019 To Feature ‘Candyland’ Parade; Fun Starts Thursday
Vancouver Laser Skin Care Clinic, located in Downtown Camas, is having a couple of July treatment specials — 25% off Ultherapy® full face or neck, Buy One Get One 50 percent off on leg vein treatments, and $11 per unit of Botox.
“It’s a great offer,” said Lori Keller, Master Aesthetician, and owner of Vancouver Laser. “We’re so grateful to our customers. Give us a call today at 360. 823.0795 to schedule your complimentary consultation. The Ultherapy® special includes Laser Genesis Treatment, which targets texture, pore Size, fine Lines, wrinkles and scarring, a $250 value.”
Ultherapy® is a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure that utilizes the power of focused ultrasound technology, and sound waves to simulate collagen to lift, tone and tighten the skin. The Ultherapy procedure can be performed on the eyes, brow, face, neck and under the chin and chest. This technology stimulates the production of collagen resulting in continuous improvement of the tone and tightness. An Ultherapy procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the area treated. Ultherapy delivers outstanding results without surgery or downtime.
With over 30 years of aesthetic laser and skin care experience and expertise, Master Aesthetician, Lori Keller, knows that looking and feeling confident play a big part in our well-being.
Ultherapy: Before and after.
“If you like how you look, you feel more positive and content in your daily life,” says Keller. “But environmental factors such as sun exposure, and physiological factors such as genetics and aging, all can play a role in changing your outward appearance. We help restore confidence by repairing some of the damage our environment and aging can cause.”
When Vancouver Laser Skin Care Clinic (VLSCC) decided to move its offices to Downtown Camas, they brought more than 30 years of aesthetic laser and skin care experience and an array of treatments and products that rejuvenate skin and restore your youthful glow. They feel good when you look great.
Their office at 715 NE 5th Avenue is charming, and peaceful, and is part of the history and future of Camas, a quaint and successful town that many say is a city about wellness.
“We love being part of this wonderful and historic downtown scene,” said Keller, who owns VLSCC. “And, we invite you to come see what we’re all about. — from pre-teen/adult acne sufferers to mature patients.”
VLSCC offers many services, including: IPL, Chemical Peels, Microneedling, Ultherapy, Face and Leg Vein Removal, Botox, and more!
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/07080950/160FE1A4-40A5-4089-9172-A883FBC76D78.jpeg364960Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-07-18 12:06:562019-07-18 12:07:03Business Scene: Vancouver Laser — 25% Off Ultherapy Treatments, More
Camas, WA — There’s still time to purchase 2019 Ducky Derby tickets, which is part of the annual Camas Days celebration.
The event, which is organized by the Camas-Washougal Rotary Club, has allotted 5,000 tickets to be raffled off for the Derby, at a cost of $10 apiece.
“This is the annual fundraiser for the local Rotary Club, which goes to all the projects we support,” said John Tennant, of CW Rotary. “The money we raise supports scholarships, Young Men/Women in Action, High School robotics, polio, food drives, and provides essential money to be able to function.”
When people purchase tickets, they’re given a ticket stub receipt, and the main ticket is attached to each of the 5,000 rubber ducks. Rotarians recently hosted a tagging party, attaching the tickets to each duck.
The race begins on Sunday, July 28 at noon on the Third Avenue Bridge in Camas, when a front-loader donated by Nutter Corporation tips its bucket and unloads over 5,000 plastic ducks into the water below. From there, the current takes over and the ducks dash to the finish line. The fastest ducks down the river will win prizes for those who’ve adopted them. The entire community is invited to come to see the Ducky Derby Race. The grand prize is a weeklong Alaskan cruise plus $1,500 for expenses. The second prize is $1,000 cash, and there is more than $8,500 in prizes overall.
VancouverLaserSkinCareClinic.com
You can still buy tickets through Sunday, and the CW Rotary Club will have a booth at Camas Days. It’s likely the tickets will sell out half way through Camas Days. Each ticket is sold person-to-person.
Camas-Washougal Rotary Club is part of an international service organization that works to improves communities by assisting with education, health services, charitable giving, and disaster relief. The local chapter meets every Thursday and holds several special events throughout the year.
After reviewing 12 Camas Community Aquatics Center and sports fields options Monday night, Camas City Council voted unanimously to present one of those options to voters in the coming days, weeks, and months. It’s the next step in gathering public input on design, features, and costs.
Option I was selected, which gives Camas City staff specific directions as to how to proceed with planning, includes a community aquatics center design with two pools (a recreational pool with slides and an 8-lane, 25 yard competitive pool), extensive gym, community/event room, and a complete renovation of three Camas sports fields.
Under the direction of Camas Mayor Shannon Turk, Camas city staff has been drafting community aquatics center and sports fields designs in preparation to put a general obligation bond to voters on the November ballot. They have until August 6 to submit details in order to make the ballot.
“Voters have told us repeatedly they want a new community aquatics center and address sports fields concerns,” said Turk. “I feel we’re moving in the right direction.”
Monday’s vote is about water safety, said local resident, Doug Lumbard, who attended the session.
“We don’t have a community pool,” he said. “Swimming is multi-generational, and anybody from little babies to senior citizens will be able to use this new pool. It has something for everyone.”
The preferred site for the community aquatics center is six acres of city-owned property near Fallen Leaf Lake on Lake Road, across from Heritage Park.
At Monday’s council workshop, Camas City Administrator Pete Capell presented 12 options to council.
“All options include the $5.8 million expense for offsite traffic and signal improvements, including adding significant parking at Heritage Park,” said Capell. “The Sierra and Lake Road intersection has been close to needing warrants for a signal, and it’s been a problem area so we’ve included funding for signals at Lake and Sierra, as well. The site has a lot of topography to it. Designers are trying to minimize the footprint as they work with the topography.”
Aerial view of Camas Community Aquatics Center.
This proposed community aquatics center design (78,000 square feet) has three floors, with both recreational and competitive pools that have very flexible elements. To the west are locker rooms and support spaces. This design will have roll-up doors to the east facing Fallen Leaf Park to create a more outdoor pool feeling. The second floor has a basketball gym with casual seating areas, and a meeting/party room with access to an outdoor terrace in a forest setting. The third floor has a small multi-purpose room for revenue generating purposes. The recreation pool is for all age groups and will include a slide and other fun water features. The competitive pool will have eight 25-yard lanes and spectator seating for 300. The proposed design has a lobby with views of the competition pool, which will have a lot of natural lighting. Cost: $53 million for the aquatics center, plus $19 million for the gym and community room. The city is preparing better cost breakdowns because the building is not that expensive — a lot of the cost is site work.
“We are tucking the building into the hillside,” said Capell. “There are many grades. The gym is tucked into the hillside. The building works with the topography and has a concentrated footprint with a good setback from Lake Road. Has real simple roof shapes with a lower profile. It has nice illumination.”
First floor, with a 2-pool option.Interior view of proposed Camas Community Aquatics Center.
Sports Field Renovations
Council nixed the inclusion of a totally new sports complex in this general obligation bond, stating this should be part of a separate bond, but they did propose making extensive renovations to three existing parks: Forest Home, Prune Hill Sport Park, and Dorothy Fox Field.
The Forest Park renovation would convert the two fields to synthetic turf and make several site improvements. The Prune Hill Sport Park renovation would have synthetic turf in the lower field, and smaller turf soccer fields, as well as installation of field lighting. At Dorothy Fox, the existing soccer and lacrosse fields would be converted to turf, plus lighting would be installed.
“Adding turf and lighting would create a longer window of time for use,” said Capell.
The cost of the sports field renovations: $6 million.
The recent open house for the new community aquatics center and sports fields was well attended, and the city has used feedback from that meeting, as well as online feedback to guide their decisions.
Proposed renovations at Forest Home Park.
Capell said the leisure and competitive pools are very popular. Using Option I as guidance, the city will have a booth at Camas Days that will provide the public with details, and another opportunity to provide input on designs and programming.
Community members, including Randy Curtis, expressed concerns are about parking given the popularity of Heritage Park in the summer. He is also concerned about community aquatics center users crossing Lake Road for access.
The project includes significant parking and traffic enhancements – not only at the site of the new community aquatics center, but also nearby – to ensure maximum access, traffic flow, and safety for pedestrians, motorists, and cyclists. The following is part of the overall Option K plan:
At Heritage Park, 100 vehicle and eight trailer parking stalls will be added for a total of 152 vehicle and 53 trailer parking spaces.
Lacamas Lake Lodge will maintain its 66 existing vehicle parking spaces. At the community aquatics center itself, 134 vehicle parking spaces will be constructed. Patrons may also utilize parking at Heritage Park and Lacamas Lake Lodge.
These parking projects add 242 new parking spaces for a total of 405 spaces in the area.
Additional frontage improvements, site work, and Lake Road upgrades will be implemented.
A traffic signal will be installed at the intersection of NW Sierra Street and NW Lake Road.
The upcoming roundabout at NE Everett Street and NE Lake Road will further promote access, traffic flow, and safety.
City planners have carefully looked at the traffic impact if we have an aquatics center would be built at this location. They went out to 2040 for planning and their research showed the overall impacts are fairly minimal from the community center aspect. From a queuing stand point, it was an additional car length. Council member Ellen Burton expressed concern about increasing boat traffic. To which Capell said: “They’re already there, and they’re parking on the street. It’s an unsafe situation. This plan calls for additional parking to get boaters off the street.”
The council’s vote Monday night caps the November bond at $78 million. Council members asked staff to look for ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality.
“This ordinance number sets a maximum and allows us to work down from that,” said Camas City Finance Director, Cathy Nickerson. “The number in the ordinance is what will go on the ballot measure, but council has the ability to use that as a maximum amount. The debt service from that bond issue is what you would levy.”
“I’m so excited by the visuals,” said Council member Don Chaney. “I feel comfortable with the plans. We started this looking at this piece of property, but remember there are costs, and we own that property. I really think we move on this but not be blind to other potentials down on the road. Let’s go with the max, and for the full project.”
Council member Greg Anderson called for a motion to approve Option I, which was supported unanimously by council.
“A lot of work went into this,” said Anderson. “The full meal deal makes a lot of sense, but it’s a big ask. And there’s A LOT in this ask. I hope we stick with this location. It would have to be compelling for me to support a different location. I’m on board for the full deal. We need to sound committed to it. We can’t be wishy washy or it will not fly in November.”
A lot of heavy lifting is still necessary. For example, Curtis, who presided over the construction of Salem’s Kroc Center Pool, said the city needs to determine programming, specific designs, and weigh all the maintenance costs.
Paying For Community Aquatics Center
There was discussion about deferring the community/gym/event space to phase two to give the city more time to seek grants and private funding, which would lower overall debt service by $19 million. Given Monday’s vote, the maximum annual cost would be $474 per median home value of $464,400.
In 2021, the Camas Library levy expires, as does a $1.32 school bond, which gives the city $1.44 in additional capacity. The levy would go down in 2021. Camas School District said their forecast that a new bond levy won’t be required until 2026.
Chaney emphasized that the city find ways to spend less money on the overall project.
“It’s important to find cost savings,” said Chaney. “This is the people’s money.”
18th LD State Representative Larry Hoff was in attendance, and said the city is wise to plan for the future, and look 20 years ahead.
“The city is only going to grow,” said Hoff.
“How is the school district aligned with this?” asked resident Susan Schultz. “I know the high school teams are having a hard time getting some lanes to swim in. I would hope this pool has all the things we need for competitive swimming. Make sure the schools are aligned with the planning. Make sure parking can handle 2-4 buses.”
“This is a win for safety,” said Lumbard. “This will give children and people of all ages the opportunity to learn how to swim year-round. I hope the community adds their input on design and programming.”
“I’m very excited about the possibilities,” said Mayor Turk at the close of Monday’s session.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/07080556/8489E7CF-221F-4989-A9C7-CA360D15C729.jpeg7101488Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-07-16 16:28:172019-07-18 22:56:47Camas Takes Community Aquatics Center Design, Sports Field Renovations to Next Step
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