A Proud Past:
On August 6, 1956, the Lake City City Council approved a resolution calling for a special election to establish a municipal swimming pool. The mayor at that time was D.R. Van Horn with Wayne Johnson, Donald Van Ahn, Guy Moulds, Ronald Kaiser, Jay Middleton, and Austin Farley as council members. A swimming pool committee was formed to gather information and select an appropriate site. In October, 1956 the council approved the purchase of land from Bill Goins to be used for the swimming pool and the facility was constructed the following year.
A Swimming Pool and Grounds Commission was established to manage and operate the Lake City Municipal Swimming Pool, consisting of Bill Goins, Maxyne Johnson, and Ronald Kaiser. A. L. Redenius served as chair the following term. Paul Nesset was hired as the pool manager. The Commission managed the pool until 1964 when the City Council and City Clerk assumed these responsibilities.
The decisions made by these community leaders impacted many lives over the decades that followed. Perhaps you know or have known one or more of them, perhaps you have not had the privilege. Regardless, they each believed in a vision to provide an opportunity for summer recreation in Lake City and cared enough about our community, our children, and our health to ensure that goal was achieved.
A Present Need:
Since 1957, the Lake City Municipal Pool has provided countless hours of summer recreation in our community. The current facility has well-served its intended purpose and has reached the end of its feasible useful life. The main pool shell has sustained a major structural crack. Although patched, the pool continues to leak, causing inefficient water usage throughout the pool season. The pool's operating system and piping is aging and could require major repairs at any time. The heating system is not operable. The bath house, concession stand, and guard station have suffered damage due to continual exposure to Iowa weather elements, as well as simple age, and have deteriorated beyond practical repair.
Why is now the ideal time to pursue a campaign for an updated municipal pool?
1. The need is great. Our current facility, as is, has outlived its ability to effectively serve a community seeking healthy growth.
2. Multiple benefits exist, such as providing additional recreation opportunities for residents of all ages, attracting and retaining young families, promoting economic development, and enhancing the appearance of Goins Park.
3. Building costs will only continue to increase.
4. Public support for a new facility is strong.
5. Community leadership is positive and willing to be involved.
A Promising Future:
Offering an updated and well-designed outdoor municipal pool will only strengthen our community and add to the many qualities that make Lake City an attractive place to call home. Funds raised through the campaign will be used to demolish and replace our current facility with a modern municipal pool on the same site at Goins Park . Features will include zero depth entry, lap pool with six swimming lanes, diving and play features, updated bathhouse and concession areas, and expanded room for relaxation.
Whether you are learning to swim, enjoy exercising with friends, participate in competitive swimming, enjoy spending time with children or grandchildren, or simply wish to relax on a hot summer day, there are many ways a new facility can meet our community's needs. In addition, the Lake City area stands to benefit economically. The attractiveness of the facility and programs offered there will be one more reason for families to consider the quality of life we enjoy.
It is our privilege to share in a project that will not only impact current residents, but also the generations to come, just as our community leaders achieved in 1957. If our past is any indication, there is no doubt that we will once again come together to meet today's challenge.
Will you please join us?
Our Community's Challenge
Costs to construct the facility as detailed in the above drawing range from an estimated $2,000,000 to $2,400,000. The lower figure includes a six lane lap pool, with zero depth entry, minimal play features (i.e. diving boards and drop slide), and updated bathhouse and concession areas. The higher figure would encompass all features, including the larger flume water slide and splash area items.
Raising a minimum of $2,000,000 through a capital campaign effort will eliminate the need for tax funding and allow the new Lake City Municipal Pool to become a reality. This is an ambitious goal, but realistic if all residents and friends of our community share as generously as possible.
Capital Campaign Needs
Category
|
Gifts Needed
|
Gift Ranges
|
Cumulative
|
Cornerstone |
4 |
$100,000 Plus |
$ 600,000 |
Builder |
8 |
$50,000 Plus |
$ 1,000,000 |
Partner |
17 |
$15,000 Plus |
$ 1,255,000 |
Associate |
24 |
$10,000 Plus |
$ 1,495,000 |
Sponsor |
35 |
$5,000 Plus |
$ 1,670,000 |
Supporter |
200 |
$1,000 Plus |
$ 1,870,000 |
Friend |
260 |
$500 Plus |
$ 2,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
It is important for us all to give serious consideration to the campaign needs and the volume of gift support required if we are to accomplish our goal. Please accept this challenge and share as generously as you are able. Whatever gift you determine you can give will be greatly appreciated.
Note: A three year pledge plan is encouraged to ensure these gifts will fit within the financial needs of those choosing to give. Each gift can qualify for charitable tax treatment. Please consult with your professional advisor regarding your specific tax situation.
