New pool fully funded, for now
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Similar to how streams feed into a larger stream or river, several major funding sources have contributed to the confluence of a new pool in Mount Ayr.
Between the bond referendum providing up to $2,000,000, major grant awards, and the construction of the project coming in under budget, the plan to replace the original pool built in 1963 is now moving forward.
Major contributions to the $3,243,700 project include a $340,000 Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grant, a $250,000 Dekko Foundation grant, a $5,000 REC grant, a major donation from Larry and Rita Hunter in the amount of $400,000, and more than $251,266 in various private donations and pledges.
Community members who banded together to plan for the future of the pool over 20 years ago, are finally celebrating, but they are not finished fundraising. While the City of Mount Ayr has secured the necessary funds to cover the construction costs for a new 4,000-square-foot L-shaped outdoor pool, there will still be ways people can contribute to the new aquatic center in Judge Lewis Park.
Thanks to the generous contributions of many organizations and people, extra features including two diving boards, a resistance channel, spray features, a family slide, a traditional water slide, sunshades, overhead lighting, and zero-depth entry are all able to be included in the project. Other additional features were considered in the Waters Edge pool design, and could still be added to the aquatic center if additional funds become available.
Although the City of Mount Ayr sets aside money in their budget to cover ongoing operational and maintenance costs each year, there has also been some discussion about creating an endowment fund to help pay for future repairs.
