Wednesday, NOVEMBER 12, 2025 |
Photo – Proposed aquatic center – Courtesy Nick Haderlie
In Saratoga, after a proposed aquatic center proved unfeasible, its proponent, Nick Haderlie, is now advocating for a new gymnasium to be built in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club in Saratoga.
In 2022, local attorney Nick Haderlie presented a plan to construct a large-scale, indoor, water sports facility in the Platte Valley town. After conducting a feasibility study, Haderlie determined that the complex would cost between $13 million and $15 million to build, with annual operating expenses of approximately $800,000.
Speaking at the November 4th Saratoga Town Council meeting, Haderlie said that after receiving the estimated cost, he was prepared to abandon the aquatic center idea. However, Silver Spur Ranch owner John Malone pledged 1/3 of the total project cost. With that financial commitment, Haderlie said he resumed fundraising and came close to meeting the full funding goal. The Saratoga attorney emphasized that he was not ready to give up.
Haderlie said his revised plan involved connecting the facility to the Saratoga Middle High School. Although school board members expressed enthusiasm, the proposal ultimately failed due to state regulations.
Haderlie said that at the time, a Saratoga resident suggested he partner with the Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming to build a recreation center that would provide afterschool programming for children. After meeting with representatives from the organization, Haderlie said he realized the proposed facility could not realistically include a pool.
Haderlie said the new design, without a pool, involves building two separate gymnasiums. The Saratoga attorney said one half of the recreation center would be exclusively used by the Boys and Girls Club while the other would be available for Carbon County School District Number Two.
Haderlie said under the current arrangement, the school district receives scheduling priority at the Platte Valley Recreation Center, requiring the town to plan its events around the school calendar. The proposed $15 million Boys and Girls Club facility would eliminate that constraint.
Haderlie said he isn’t trying to change the character of Saratoga. Instead, he is simply attempting to address a lack of after-school activities for the town’s youth.
Haderlie said he needs written endorsement from the governing body to proceed with the project. The attorney stated he will present a resolution at the November 19th Saratoga Town Council meeting, requesting an official pledge of support.
Haderlie explained that donors are more likely to give when the town fully endorses the project.
Mayor Chuck Davis said he will present Haderlie’s resolution to the governing body at the next Saratoga Town Council meeting.
