Next step for pool: grant funding

The community pool committee is no longer wading in unknown waters but is gliding through with the goal of a first-place finish. 
During a recent informational meeting, pool committee members met with the public to update them on the proposed pool project. 
Committee chairwoman, Judy Heater, first thanked supporters of the project including donors, the media for spreading the word of the project and the Community Foundation of Pulaski County. 
Heater said as of the end of April, there have been 72 donors who gave $94,803. Of the $94,803, $32,575 was given as a match during the Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) challenge through the community foundation for a total of $127,378.
To add to the $127,378, the Town of Winamac has pledged $150,000. Those funds will remain with the town funds to collect interest.  
The committee hasn’t looked at any specific grant yet but Heater said she has a few leads on what grants might be available. The committee is also looking to hold future fundraisers including food events and an auction.   
Along with the monetary donations, some in-kind donations have been pledged to the project including cleaning up and removing of the current dilapidated pool and removing the wading pool. Those donations could total more than $150,000.  
The plan is to build a zero entry pool that gradually declines to a 5-foot area. A small splash pad will also be built instead of a wading pool. The total project is estimated to cost less than $650,000. 
The committee would like to see the building of the pool begin next year.