When Wanamingo’s new swimming pool opened in 1974, West Concord noticed. Kasson’s swimming pool had been built by the WPA in 1937. Kenyon’s opened in the mid-50’s and Dodge Center and Hayfield opened their pools in 1966. West Concord’s children had long traveled to nearby towns to learn to swim.
It was at a PTA meeting in October, 1974, that a Sink or Swim Pool Committee was formed. Joan Casey was appointed the temporary chairman to organize the committee. Dan Kutzler, Ken Doty, Dean Hindal, Eldon Ellingson, Tom Avery, and Mrs. Dennis Nelson were the members with Lowell Urch as permanent chair.
The December 19, 1974 Enterprise noted, “Hayfield is thinking about a Golf Course. They have a swimming pool and a fine nursing home. This brings up the subject that we have before us in West Concord. Do we want a swimming pool? It looks as if you really do want something, it can be accomplished.”
That very same December the Sink or Swim committee asked for input from the community. The committee strongly felt West Concord was ready but they wanted opinions and buy-in from citizens. Comments from the public were to be sent to PO Box 32.
In July of 1975 it was reported that West Concord’s swimming program at the Dodge Center pool would have bo be drastically reduced because the total requests for pool services from Claremont, Byron, and West Concord were much more than could be accommodated. Parents were speaking out for the need of a pool in West Concord, but broader support from the whole city and townships was still needed.
On August 14th an informational meeting for the public was held in the
elementary school gym. The costs of building and maintaining a pool, legal and health requirements, and possible sites were among the topics discussed. Wanamingo volunteers were there to share their experiences.
The August 28th Enterprise carried the headline of “Pool Plans Progressing”.
A site just east of the high school and near the old skating rink had been selected. A nonprofit was being formed to accept donations with Fred Stone, Al Organ, and Penne Gossard at the helm.
In September private pool donations began to be listed weekly on the front page of the Enterprise, with names and amounts—that’s one way to encourage giving. The first official donation for the pool was from young Kenneth Langr, who gave 6 cents. By Labor Day $8000 had been raised including a substantial donation from Teddy Stone’s parents. Young Teddy had passed away in June of that year in a very tragic accident.
On September 8 a contract was signed with Custom Pools of Hopkins with hope that the pool would be ready and open for use by June 1976. The Enterprise reported, “The enthusiasm and cooperation of the community is really great.” Ground breaking took place on Friday, October 10 and fundraising began in earnest. The goal was $75,000—$467,000 in today’s dollars. That amount included funding the bathhouse, fencing, and landscaping that would also be needed.
A fundraising frenzy soon followed. A group of 65 citizens undertook soliciting every resident in person in a “blitz” fund drive. There were so many donations that listing the names and amounts covered one third of the front page of the Enterprise. Former residents were generous, too.
In early November the first stage of pool construction was completed. The steel mesh was tied and the stainless steel panels in place. Much of the plumbing was installed. Concrete would soon be poured and the pooled filled with water for the winter to equalize pressure on both sides of the pool wall.
Fundraising events happened one after another. Some were creative and lively.
There was a lot of laughter when the Commercial Club took on the high school varsity volleyball team. “Dan the Man” Blaisdell and “Al the Mouth” Organ were part of the Commercial Club team, coached by Tom Griffin who studied the 1931 Rule Book of Volley Ball to be ready for the game. Tom promoted his team by noting the experience that comes from age and the oxygen tanks nearby that just might help them win.
Concerts, basketball games, All Star Wrestling shows, a PTA Carnival, a Hawaii Swimming Pool benefit, a Valentine dance, and many more fundraising events helped to reduce the dollars still needed.
In Spring of 1976 the call went out for both “money and muscle”. Volunteers were need for painting, carpentry, shoveling dirt, fence building and feeding the workers. “Have you done your share?” was the question of the day.
Phase 2 of the Pool Fund Drive began. $40,000 had been raised in Phase 1 and now the rest was needed. The Enterprise admonished, “It’s time for the “wait and see” skeptics to donate. The Pool is a Reality!”
What a community effort! On June 16, 1976, the pool opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Kathy Armstrong was the pool manager and Sharon Gunhus and Wayne Miller were the Water Safety Instructors. On August 6 a Pool Appreciation Open House was held with speeches from: Fred Stone, President of the West Concord Community Recreation Association, Dr. Casey, the School Board Chair, Frank Mathias, the Mayor, and Dan Hutton, the Community Services Director. After the speeches the public was invited to swim for free.
When 1976 ended, $25,000 of pool debt remained and fundraising efforts continued, including a benefit basketball game that put a local team opposing members of the Minnesota Vikings—Mick Tingelhoff, Dave Osborn and others. At a November 1979 City Council meeting, members voted to apply Federal Revenue Sharing Funds of $3100 to the pool’s remaining debt of $5,900. With only $2800 of debt left, the community had accomplished what it set out to do.
Ask any of the multitude of swimmers who have used and presently make use of
our wonderful pool and they’ll tell you, “Good things come to those who swim” and “Life is better when you swim”. Congratulations to our West Concord Pool for giving us 50 years of healthy exercise and joy!
