County donates to new pool

On June 28th, the county commission made the decision to aid the Town of Ekalaka in it's ongoing effort to build a new pool in Ekalaka. The county committed to donating $200,000 for a new pool in the Town of Ekalaka.

Including the $200,000 from the county, there is now a total of $605,394.52 available for a new pool with funding as follows:

Town of Ekalaka Restricted Cash Account (can only be used for new pool): $283,046.61;

New Pool Committee Account: $101,918.21;

Pool committee savings account: $8,426.64;

Meadowlark Club commitment: $12,003.06;

County donation: $200,000.

Current plans are still for demolition/construction to begin as early as this fall, which would mean bids would go out before then.

Estimates for the new pool range greatly in cost and depend on how much of the project is completed in the first phase. The pool will likely be 25 feet x 50' or 30' by 60' in size.

The first phase of the project build may or may not include a pool house (complete or incomplete), a climbing wall, basketball hoop, diving board, etc. These things may be added or eliminated pending bids.

"We finally have the funds to get a new pool started," town clerk Kamely Harkins said Wednesday morning.

In the interim, planning will continue while the old Emswiler Pool is still in use.

In fact, water safety courses have been scheduled, beginning next week at Emswiler. Water safety for town kids will take place in the mornings from July 8th through July 12th. Water safety for country kids will take place in the mornings from July 15th through July 19th.

Space for the classes is limited. Parents may contact the town office for more information.