Quarterly Newsletter Will Share Updates
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In an effort to keep the community informed about progress with their improvement projects, the Friends of the Pool and Park Foundation is publishing a quarterly newsletter. The first issue circulated during the second week of April.
Dedicated to the preservation and development of the Ensign Sweet Memorial Park and the Chinook City Pool, the Foundation is actively working towards the betterment of those two facilities. According to Foundation President Heather DePriest, "Whether you lived in Chinook as a child or currently reside here, these places hold a special place in many people's hearts. Our organization is dedicated to ensuring that both the Pool and the Park are available for enjoyment for many years to come. We are excited for the upcoming changes we will be making, and we appreciate all of your support thus far."
Other Foundation Board members are Jill Paulsen, Vice President; Julianne Snedigar, Secretary; Jessica Aberg, Treasurer; Kathy Radovich, Parliamentarian; Shelby Nemetz, Reporter; Heather Huravitch, Member at Large - Girl Scouts; Kelsey Harry, Member at Large, Sweet Park; Erica Smith, Member at Large – Chinook Pool.
Preliminary plans for the Friends of the Pool and Park Foundation (FPPF) include several goals. At the Sweet Park, those include planned improvements for
• Addressing Drainage Issues
• Filling Park to Grade with Street
• Removing Sandbox
• Updating Landscaping
• Replacing Sidewalks
• Building a Concrete Pad for Playground
• Installing Rubber Matting for Playground
• Purchasing New Playground Equipment
• Installing a Climbing Wall
• Upgrading Bathrooms
• Making the Facility ADA Accessible
• Acquiring New Benches and Seating
• Investing in Permanent Concrete Tables
• Remodeling Girl Scout House
• Making Park Bike-Friendly for Travelers with Shelter
• Upgrading Sprinkler Systems
These plans are subject to change as time and the organization dictates. One Board member shared these details: "We are keeping many items in mind when developing our goals, such as budget, use, and other considerations. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact any board member. We look forward to hearing from the community regarding our endeavors, and we are especially excited for the changes to come. Stay tuned as we embark on this adventure together and make our beautiful park and pool something that our communities can enjoy for many years to come."
For the pool, similar improvement goals are in the works:
• Upgrade Chemical/Boiler Systems
• Replace Pool Gutters
• Remove Tiles and Resurface Pool Interior
• Install Permanent Stairs and Railings
• Install Zero Gravity Pool (Beach Effect)
• Replace Concrete Deck
• Extend Deck East/West for Permanent Shade
• Improve Diving Boards
• Replace Starting Blocks
• Add Outside Showers/Lockers
• Purchase New Guard Chairs and Chaise Loungers
• Remodel Locker Rooms
• Expand Pool House
• Add Water Bottle Filling Station
• Replace Splash Pad
• Mount Waterslides
• Address Bleachers and Gazebo Needs
Currently, the organization has raised over $25,000, which will cover the engineering costs of the project. Although the engineer is working on designs, nothing is yet ready to release. The Foundation is hoping to receive a selection of ideas by the end of May. A preliminary cost estimate will follow.
Furthermore, the FPPF has hired a grant writer, who will seek funding sources once the scope of the project has been determined for this first stage.
To assist in financing future endeavors, the FPPF has implemented a Membership Platform. Membership fees will be $100 per year, with contributions initially going directly toward the fundraising efforts to improve both entities. In the future, these membership dollars will sustain the operation of the pool and the park.
DePriest explained that for the 2021 Season, the Foundation is including an option for members to display a banner. For an additional $100.00, a member can purchase a 36"x 18" banner that can feature a business name, logo, or slogan, a family name, or that of an individual supporter. These banners will be exhibited around the upper perimeter fence at the pool. After securing membership, any member interested in such a sponsorship will need to pay the additional fee and provide the information or logo he/she wishes to display.
Anyone wishing to receive periodic updates and project information as it occurs is encouraged to join the FPPF email list. To subscribe, interested individuals should email info@chinookfriends.org and type "Subscribe" in the subject line. The group is also on Facebook and Instagram.
