Making waves to build a new pool
The Friends of McKellar Park Inc is a 501c3 organization. Our primary goal is to raise funds to build a new pool in McKellar Park in the village of Blanchardville, WI. Once this goal has been achieved, this organization will continue to raise money for other important park improvements.
WHAT'S THE DEAL?
Due to DNR regulations and the extremely high maintenance costs the village of Blanchardville incurred to maintain the McKellar Park pool due to flooding, a spring underneath the foundation of the pool, and much more, a decision was made by the village board (based on community feedback) to replace the pool and relocate it to a different area in the park. (Because of its location in a flood plain and multiple safety and structural issues, the pool could no longer exist in its current location.) Results from a community survey (which was distributed via US mail to village residents, the local newspaper, and through an online link) indicated that village residents are in favor of building a new pool. [Refer to page 4 of Blanchardville's Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan to learn more about the survey results.]
For over 60 years, the Blanchardville pool provided swimming lessons, recreation, jobs, and many great memories for thousands of residents and visitors. It was an essential resource for exercise and activity, an asset to Blanchardville’s tourism promotion, and was long referred to as the gem of McKellar Park. With a mixture of emotions, we witnessed the demolition and decommissioning of this gem on October 19, 2021.
Friends of McKellar Park Inc is a 501(c)3 charitable organization which is actively raising funds through various avenues including donations, matching funds, grants, and fundraisers to build a new swimming pool. We are excited about building a pool that will provide all the same benefits we appreciated with the old one, but with the added improvements of security from flooding, increased accessibility for users with physical challenges, closer proximity to parking, greater energy and economic efficiency, and much more.
The Blanchardville village board has partnered with architectural landscape company Parkitecture to assist with this project. According to Parkitecture, the current budget estimate based on contractor input is $2,243,381.33 for the design they have created. Parkitecture has advised adding a 10% contingency until the design is more refined and final estimates can be developed. The estimated total cost would be $2,467,719.47. It is the goal of our group to raise the needed funds for the village to have a pool in place and usable by the summer of 2025. The design plans from Parkitecture are good for 24 months, and the construction phase is estimated to total 12-18 months.
The generosity of our community and supporters has been heartwarming. Approximately $700,000 has been procured for this project already, which includes a $325,000 commitment from the village (without any burden to taxpayers). Other funds have been raised through donations and pledges from current and former residents and local businesses, as well as through numerous fundraising events/activities. We are also pursuing several state and local-level grants.
Continued support is critical to building a new “Gem of McKellar Park” and we would greatly appreciate any donation you may consider.
HOW TO GIVE
Friends of McKellar Park Inc (EIN 88-4103433) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
To make a tax-deductible donation, checks can be written and sent to:
To make a tax-deductible donation, checks can be written and sent to:
Friends of McKellar Park Inc
PO Box 277
Blanchardville WI 53516
We mail letters of receipt acknowledging any donation over $100.
OR
You'll receive a receipt for your tax purposes via email.
LARGER FORMS OF GIFTING
If you or your organization/business are interested in making a large pledge or sponsorship, please contact us through the email below.
This may be the opportunity you’ve been looking for to create a lasting personal or family legacy. For more information or to arrange a confidential conversation, please contact savethepool53516@gmail.com.
Thanks for your support!