It is always exciting when dreams become reality and this is exactly what’s happening at this construction site. Bainbridge Island Rowing has contracted Clark Construction to build its new home, The Stan Pocock Legacy Rowing Center here on Bainbridge Island. A 12,000-square-foot, two-story building, it will be the first facility of its kind in Kitsap County, while honoring the legacy of Stan Pocock, iconic Pacific Northwest rowing coach and boatbuilder.
The finished facility will serve multiple functions for the West Sound community. It will provide not only a hub for regional rowing, but also a venue for regattas with the potential to draw participants from across the Pacific Northwest. By doing so, it will be instrumental in uniting competitive and recreational rowers of all ages and abilities in a unique, multigenerational community.
The ground floor boasts a boat storage, maintenance and repair shop, rower’s bathroom/emergency shower, and the building’s mechanical and electrical equipment. On the top floor you will find a beautiful, wood-frame structure housing coaches’ offices, a conference room, locker rooms, bathrooms, and a large (50’x50”) workout/multipurpose community gathering space with kitchen, overlooking historic Eagle Harbor. This space will be available to the public for private events and for program expansion by the adjacent Senior Center.
All who enter The Stan Pocock Legacy Rowing Center will have the opportunity to learn the rich history of rowing, refine their skills, and help fulfill Stan’s goal of encouraging a deep connection to the sport. “My earnest desire is that the quality of the community-oriented rowing projects we envision will be known for generations to come.” – Stan Pocock
Construction of the foundation is complete, and the building of exterior walls and roof are currently underway with an anticipated completion of this second phase in March ready for spring operations. The interior buildout will follow as soon as the remaining funds are secured. Step by step, this dream is coming into focus.
For more information:
About the project and fundraising progress visit bainbridgerowing.org.
Read the Kitsap Sun article here.
Read the Bainbridge Island Rowing article here.
About Bainbridge Island Rowing:
Bainbridge Island Rowing is a grassroots volunteer run, 501(c)(3) organization committed to positively changing lives through the sport of rowing. Recreational and competitive programs are available for youths and adults, with scholarship funds provided to assure the sport remains accessible to all who are interested in participating. This year scholarships were granted to over 10% of current youth rowers. Bainbridge Island Rowing’s junior program provides rowing opportunities to over 115 youths and is currently the largest sport at Bainbridge High School as well as the largest year-round sport in Kitsap County. BIR provides the only fully-staffed, multigenerational programs in Kitsap County and proudly serves as a springboard and supporter for new or less established West Sound rowing.
