Letter to the Editor: Community keeps aquatic center alive

The Odessa Friends of the Pool met recently to wrap up our 2011 fundraisers and look forward to our 2012 season; both fundraisers and goals. As the treasurer, I was able to report that last year we were able to donate $22,000 to the Town of Odessa! The donation was an accumulation of three years’ worth of fundraising with the goal of relining all four of the pools. We were able to meet that goal because the community of Odessa, its businesses and individuals, are amazing.

When we formed the Friends of the Pool in 2005, we only hoped to supplement the town’s budget in order to keep the pool open for our community’s children all summer long. We’ve been able to do that, and so much more, again because our community and our town council supports our cause. The Friends of the Pool has been able to replace broken equipment, provide shade structures and help pay for advanced lifeguard training, adult swim times and swim lessons. Recently we split the cost with the town to reline all four of our pools, ensuring another 20+ years of life for the aquatic center.

We are currently researching the feasibility of goals such as solar heating, replacing the pool decking and renovating the poolhouse. With each goal we set, and achieve, we are ensuring that our aquatic center will continue to be an asset for, not a drain on, our community.

So, community members and businesses of Odessa, you’ve made this all possible. We appreciate your support and welcome your input always.

Carmen Weishaar

Treasurer,

Odessa Friends of the Pool