Swimming pool fundraising efforts continue

A fundraising drive to support a new outdoor swimming pool in Sidney is continuing with momentum from a recent $25,000 donation from a local business.

Funding for the vast majority of the $5 million project is in place, but a $250,000 challenge grant is contingent upon collecting another $299,000 in community donations.

The Peter Kiewit Foundation grant would provide a quarter of a million dollars for the pool if the community raises $750,000.

More than half of that sum – $451,000 – has already been secured.

Megan McGown, the city’s former economic development director who left the position after relocating to Brady earlier this summer, is continuing to work on the initiative as a consultant.

“We only have $299,000 left,” she said. “I’m confident. We have a really supportive community.”

The project has been in the works for years, and the Sidney City Council has been discussing plans and specifications of the complex in recent months.

“The Sidney swimming pool project has been in the dream stage for over 5 years, and between grant funds, special sales tax allocation, city general fund and private contributions, we are very close to our goal of $5 million, which will make the entire project a reality,” a release from the city states.

The proposed new aquatics center will include a competition pool, recreation pool with splash amenities, a lazy river and a water slide.

To receive the Kiewit Foundation grant, the remaining $299,000 must be raised by March. If that amount is reached, the $750,000 in donations will turn into $1 million with the grant.

An additional $3.4 million will come from the city infrastructure sales tax and $600,000 from the city general fund – totaling the $5 million needed for the pool project.

So far, contributions have largely been sought from area businesses and organizations, McGown said.

Recently, Adams Industries committed $25,000 over the next five years for the initiative, joining 12 other contributors.

McGown said a new campaign seeking donations from individuals would soon be rolled out, and anyone interested in making a contribution can do so at Sidney City Hall. All contributions are tax deductible as allowed by law, and checks, with “pool fund” in the memo, can also be sent to City of Sidney, Attn: Geri Anthony, P.O. Box 79, Sidney, NE 69162.

“I feel like momentum is up,” McGown said. “It’s summer, so the pool is on the top of a lot of people’s minds.

For more information about the pool fundraising efforts, contact the City Economic Development office at (308) 254-8455.