GCDW: Bloomfield Pool still needs community support
July 6, 2017
Via Greene County Daily World The Fill the Pool Committee in Bloomfield finally met its initial fundraising goal, but is in the final push to make sure the pool has all the necessary amenities. A few fundraising opportunities are in the works to bring in the final $100,000 to $125,000 to make the Bloomfield Pool a reality in Spring 2018. Committee members Sophie Haywood and Kris Jarman offered a few examples of how the community can continue to help in this final fundraising phase. “Starting from a budget of nothing, a handful of faithful visionaries have worked tirelessly to raise the needed funds for the reconstruction project,” a press release from the committee says, noting the community was able to help raise $530,000. “This goal was the estimated amount needed for the actual pool renovation and did not take into consideration demolition costs or additional funds needed for the bath house and grounds which was estimated to cost an additional $100,000 - $125,000, depending on the work that might be donated as in-kind contributions to the pool renovation project.” The Fill the Pool Committee will be hosting a Donnie Baker Comedy Night at the WestGate Academy July 22. Jarman said in addition to the three sections of seating, there is an opportunity to have a meet and greet with comedian Donnie Baker with the purchase of VIP tickets. Section A will cost $40 per seat with tables of eight. Section B will be $30 per seat and section C is #20 per seat. The VIP meet and greet will be from 5:30-6:30 p.m., with Grand Torino opening the show at 6:30 p.m. Baker will take the stage at 8:15 p.m. “Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite or visit www.BloomfieldPool.com for instructions for mail orders. Mail order tickets will be available at will call the night of the show,” Jarman explained, noting all proceeds will benefit the pool. Pavers are also available for purchase to create a new sidewalk for the pool. The pavers will be engraved with a message as designated by the buyer. The cost is $200, $500 or $1,000 depending on the size. Pavers can be purchased by contacting the Bloomfield Town Hall or calling Haywood at 812-384-3427 and leaving a message. Donations can be mailed to the Fill the Pool Committee at the address: Fill the Pool, P.O. Box 544, Bloomfield, IN 47424. Those interested can also stop by Bloomfield Town Hall and designate the donation goes to the pool project. Electronic donations can also be made on the pool’s website, www.bloomfieldpool.com. All donations are tax deductible. Receipts can be obtained from the Bloomfield Town Hall for tax purposes. “If we are lucky enough to exceed the amount we need, additional funds will be set aside to add future amenities such as splash pad accessories, a large multi-leveled slide and an aqua wall for climbing and jumping into the water. Foundational work for these items will be part of the design but will not be added until future fundraising is completed. This will be an on-going effort,” the press release notes. Haywood credited local individuals, organizations and grants with helping to raise the money and get to the point they can actually start working on the pool. “Individuals as well as local companies have generously offered to step up and support the project. We were especially thankful for the Holy Name Catholic Church whose membership voted to donate a generous $5,000 towards the project, citing the need for a place for the youth of the region to have a fun and safe place to enjoy summer fun. Churches have also donated time, talents and resources to support the many of the fund raising efforts that have occurred over the past years,” the press release says. The press release adds IMI has also pledged its help with the concrete for the project. Demolition of the existing structure will start soon, with the goal to maintain the same size and diving area, while also adding a zero entrance at one end of the pool. But, in order to get the pool the community deserves and be ADA compliant, these final pushes for fundraising need to be completed for the final funds just over $100,000. “With everyone’s help, this can be achieved in a short period of time,” the press release adds.