Hoyt pool nearing financial goal
Fundraising campaign expected to get boost
June 9, 2010 | 1 comment
The first dollars raised to rebuild the Hoyt Park Pool came from Wauwatosa schoolchildren four years ago. They sold off some of their favorite toys so they might some day have a new place to splash and swim.
With the pool opening only a year away, the kids again contributed money. Students participated in the Adopt a Drop campaign, dropping spare change in a container last week to help pay for pool amenities such as a giant slide, diving board and water play equipment. The school that gave the most money will get a pool party in summer 2011.
Looking at the total project costs, the money donated by Wauwatosa's youngest residents is just a drop in the bucket. So far, $7.7 million has been raised to cover the cost of pool design and construction work, bathhouse refurbishing, and creation of a parking lot, pathways and lighting, and the establishment of an operations endowment, said Denise Lindberg, Friends of Hoyt Park and Pool executive director.
Another $500,000 is needed by September to get the project to its financial goal, which will allow the slide and other amenities to be included in the final project plans.
But the pint-size fundraising efforts instill a sense of commitment and ownership in the pool in the kids, she said. In addition, students from participating schools will get involved in the June 19 groundbreaking celebration.
Community endeavor
"It's important for children to realize they can participate in making their community a better place," said Jan Conarchy, campaign chairwoman. "Every little bit helps."
While it's a given that children will make good use of the pool, they're not the only demographic the facility will serve.
"We've gone with a design that will meet the needs of every generation," Lindberg said.
Development Director Kelly Busalacchi has heard from many seniors interested in water aerobics and from triathletes looking for lap-swimming lanes.
"There are so many sectors of the community that are going to be touched by this," Busalacchi said.
Operations plans under way
She has started holding focus groups to get feedback on everything from programming to admission and membership fees. The Friends also are looking for people to host informal "house parties" throughout the city to build momentum for the project and motivate potential donors.
"There really is a lot of thought going into the operations," she said.
Residents can view plans and ask questions during the community celebration immediately following the groundbreaking. The George L.N. Meyer Foundation has offered a challenge grant, meaning all new gifts of $1,000 or more made by June 19 will be matched up to $50,000. Meyer's daughter is a Wauwatosa resident.
Beyond fundraising, organizers have conducted other activities, including hiring three part-time employees to handle financial, operational and communications duties. Crews are conducting asbestos abatement and the building renovation plans are in the works, Lindberg said. At some point, bids will be solicited to operate a year-round restaurant on site.
Next Step
WHAT: Friends of Hoyt Park and Pool will kick off the Dive In! fundraising campaign with a groundbreaking ceremony and community celebration. The Chickadees and Garlic Mustard Pickers will perform. There will be food and games.
WHEN: 10:30 a.m. groundbreaking, followed by party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 19
WHERE: Hoyt Park picnic areas 3 and 4 on Menomonee River Parkway
ONLINE: friendsofhoytpark.org
AT A GLANCE
The following is a timeline of work to be done for Hoyt Park Pool
END OF JUNE: A large construction fence will go up, and the old pool will be demolished.
AUGUST: Construction of the new pool should begin.
JANUARY: The building will undergo renovations.
SPRING 2011: Landscaping and the parking lot construction will be done.
MAY: Pool scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend.
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Yahoo!!! Nice job FOHP
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Back to topTunedIn - Jun 14, 2010 11:45 AM - Report Abuse