East Grand Forks volunteers are hosting two events in the next two weeks to raise funds to renovate the city’s swimming pool at Sherlock Park.
Melody Olstad of Save Our Pool said the nonprofit group wants to provide new splash features for the baby pool and a new water slide when the 45-year-old pool is renovated in 2016.
The city has $1.5 million budgeted for a basic renovation, but that won’t replace the pool’s current water slide or add any new features, which is why SOP is raising funds.
Olstad didn’t immediately have a tally of how much the group has raised so far.
SOP is working with East Grand Forks’s Parks and Recreation Department to get quotes on how much it will cost to install the extras the group wants, she said. Getting everything on the wish list will probably cost $500,000 to $1.5 million, she said.
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Getting better estimates will help the group apply for federal grants, which SOP will be doing in winter 2005 through the area Community Foundation.
2 events
The first fundraiser will be the “The Last Splash,” the final teen dance and swim party of the summer from 8:30 to 10 p.m. Friday. The event costs $5 for admission and is open to teens 13 to 18.
Olstad said the radio station XL93 will have a DJ at the event.
That same day, SOP will also be selling hotdogs and pop from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the East Grand Forks Hugo’s during the store’s Jet Ski giveaway.
A few days later, the group will host its water carnival from 6 to 10 p.m. Aug. 5at the East Grand Forks Swimming Pool. Wristbands for the carnival cost $5 on Aug. 5 but are available in advance for $3 at both the East Grand Forks Hugo’s and the East Grand Forks swimming pool.
The carnival will include various pool games, a bounce house, face painting and other games and activities.
Olstad said the dunk tank will give kids an opportunity to dunk their favorite lifeguard. A dollar gets them three throws.
