Valley County Pool Camp. Just Keeps Swimming

The Valley County Pool Campaign, the Busted Knuckle Brewery and residents from near and far came together on July 25 at the brewery to share support and raise funds for the Valley County Community Pool Campaign. In addition to having a nice, cool beverage on a hot summer day, those who attended enjoyed traveling tacos, blue wave cotton candy and Busted Knuckle beer-inspired cupcakes. At the end of the evening, a total of $10,000 was raised, including a one-to-one matching donation of $3,000 from two anonymous donors.

“I am very pleased with the turnout. People are supporting what we are trying to do,” stated Friends of the Pool Committee Maggan Walstad. The Glasgow Pool first opened in 1974 and due to the many years of fun, learning, practice and relaxation, the repairs and rework that needs to be done is more than the pool can take. As a result, the committee, comprised of key stakeholders,including community members and parents, have been working diligently all summer to gather the funds and support needed to make a new pool dream a reality.

The new design will include not only a six-lane, 25m pool, but also a 30’ by 94’ pool house, which will include concessions, a family changing room and one park-accessible restroom, an ADA compliant zero-depth entry and off-street, drop-off loop with handicapped parking. According to Walstad, the lifespan of the new pool is estimated to be at 50 years.

In addition to fundraising events, the committee has also applied for grants and sent out a mailer to Valley County homes in order to help raise funds. “We sent out mailers on July 19 to explain to all of the county the importance of a new pool. It’s important to us to reach out to the whole county,” stated Walstad.

The amount raised during the July 25 event was added to the amount already raised through private donations, pledges and a radio-a-thon that occurred on May 1, making the total raised so far, as of month end, $475,000, with a total of $2,300,000 still needing to be raised before being able to break ground. “If every person in Valley County gave $374, we can get it built, pool, bath house and all,” said Walstad.

To help get closer to the goal, the Campaign committee will be hosting two fundraising events this month, with the first one on Wednesday, Aug. 14, from 8:30 to 11 p.m. at the pool. As a way to wind down from the summer months and as a last hurrah of the pool season, everyone is invited to enjoy a night-time swim while watching Finding Nemo on the big outdoor screen. A late-night snack will be provided as well as drinks. The movie will start at 9 p.m., and the whole family is encouraged to attend and even bring a favorite floatie.

Another fundraising event will be on Tuesday, Aug. 27, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at McDonald’s in Glasgow. A portion of all sales from dine-in, take-out, or drive-thru will go to the Valley County Community Pool Campaign. “This cause is a continual effort. The faster we raise the money, the sooner we can break ground!,” stressed Walstad.

For more information on the Pool Campaign or to donate, visit http://www.valcopool.com.