BOYERTOWN, Pa.- The Friends of the Boyertown Community Pool were over the moon when they learned they would receive a $500,000 grant for a pool renovation project.
"This is putting us in a position where we can make sure this pool is fantastic [and] spectacular next May when we open," said Boyertown mayor Lori Carnes, who is also a board member for Friends of the Boyertown Community Pool.
The funds came from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development through a grant that state Sen. Tracy Pennycuick helped secure.
"My kids grew up with a community pool,” said Pennycuick. “I think it's so important for this community to have this ability to have the kids have swim lessons, to have adult aerobics, have a place to go with your family and build memories.”
Project organizers said the cost to fix the pool alone was quoted at $500,000, of which they had to raise 75% before they were even able to gain access to begin any work. They said this additional grant money will allow them to get a lot of other projects on the grounds done as well.
"This $500,000 dollar grant is allowing us to fix the bathrooms, fix the concession stand, fix the areas around, maybe buy some chairs or umbrellas,” said Carnes.
The mayor also said the funds will help hire staff to run the pool safely.
The pool is expected to open next summer.