ERV Community Center Foundation to Lead Fortuna Pool Project with McLean Funding

Philanthropic leaders and the nonprofit that runs the McLean Campus say Fortuna is moving from idea to action on a long‑planned community pool, with funds set aside and preliminary design and permitting under way. The McLean Foundation and the Eel River Valley Community Center Foundation (ERV Community Center Foundation) announced boards have approved funding and ERV will own and operate the facility once built.

Dennis Scott, president of the McLean Foundation, described the step as the foundation’s first concrete move: “This is a big deal … because even though we thought we were going to do this for years, this is the first official step of going forward, and we’ve set aside funds to take this first step.” The Times‑Standard reported both boards approved funding for the building and operation of an aquatic center on the McLean Campus.

ERV vice president Lauren Correll said the project draws broad local enthusiasm and set an early target for construction: “Whenever we talk about it, everybody gets excited,” and “If all goes well, we could potentially break ground at the end of this year.” A photo published with the announcement shows Scott and Correll holding very preliminary facility drawings.

The proposed site is between the Gene Lucas Community Center and the Humboldt Senior Resource Center on the McLean Campus in Fortuna. Project documents on the Gene Lucas Community Center site describe the facility as a natatorium and note design features under consideration include the ability to open the roof and sides for year‑round use. Because of site constraints, the pool design is limited to a maximum depth of five feet; local reporting and project briefs say that depth will support swim lessons, water‑safety instruction, family recreation, therapeutic and low‑impact exercise, youth and school programming, and broad community access.

Project status details on the Gene Lucas Community Center website state ERV is working with a local engineering firm on design and that a pre‑application for permits has been submitted to the City of Fortuna. The site also reports discussions are under way about hiring a local contractor and that “once the design is finalized, permits are acquired, and a specific budget is established, the project can move forward.”

Public descriptions differ on the precise scope of the McLean Foundation’s commitment. A local outlet and an early announcement state the McLean Foundation “has committed funding to complete the design and permit phase” of the pool. The ERV site and the Times‑Standard describe the foundation as funding construction, saying the McLean Foundation “is funding the construction of the aquatic facility” and that boards approved funding for the building and operation. No dollar amounts or construction contracts have been disclosed in the materials released so far.

Organizers emphasize the project fills a longtime gap: local materials note there is currently no community pool in the Eel River Valley and link the effort to Mel and Grace McLean’s original campus vision, saying the campus was designed with infrastructure to support a pool. ERV and McLean leaders say the foundation-backed project aims to reduce travel for families seeking aquatic programs and to provide new wellness and education opportunities in Fortuna.

Before breaking ground, ERV must finalize design, secure full permits from the City of Fortuna, establish a detailed budget, and complete contractor procurement. ERV’s website reiterates that the ERV Community Center Foundation will own and operate the pool long term once those steps are complete.