AMERICUS — Americus’ swimming pool could be open next year after all — but the fundraising committee needs the public’s help.
Lacie Hamlin of the Americus Save the Pool Committee said this week the committee has chosen to buy the pool some time by making some necessary repairs, including a new lining and some concrete work. The rough estimate of the cost of the work is $50,000. The repairs are expected to buy the pool about five more years of useful life. The committee has raised around $10,000 of this money and has spent about $3,000 of it on bathroom and equipment repair for this season.
Earlier this year, Hamlin said the pool, which was built in the early 1980s, has a long list of problems including a failed lining and some problems with the support walls. Hamlin said the committee’s hope is to do the necessary repairs now to keep the pool open while the group begins raising money for a new swimming pool.
A fundraiser is being held this weekend and the money raised will go toward the pool’s repairs, Hamlin said.
The event, which will run from 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the park, will include a dunk tank, pony rides and a jump house.
There will be a dinner starting at 5 p.m. The cost is $6 for adults and will include hamburgers, hot dogs, side items and a drink. An ice cream social will be held shortly after the dinner for donations. A night swim at the Americus Pool will run from 6 to 9 p.m. The cost of the swim is $3 a person.
A softball tournament will be held all day Saturday in the Americus Pool Park. Concessions will be sponsored by Classic Vending.
For more information on the event or to give a tax-deductible donation, call Hamlin at (620) 481-0213.