If all continues to proceed as projected, Heater says construction of the pool will begin next year. Plans call for the new pool to be a depth of five-feet across and to be largely fitted into the footprint of the 50-year-old town pool next to the YMCA which was closed two years ago due to its age and deteriorated condition.

Heater said the first donation for the project was received in early December. A total of $277,378 has been raised to date for the project. Two large donations were made by Don and Dee Galbreath, and BraunAbility. Heater was also excited to report that nearly $95,000 has been raised from 72 local businesses and individuals. Most of these donations were matched with a grant through the Community Foundation of Pulaski County as part of the Lilly Endowment's GIFT VI program. The Town of Winamac has also committed $150,000 to the project. The town will also help with some of the demolition and construction work, saving additional costs.

A remainder of $216,000 still needs to be raised. Heater is hopeful that much of that sum can be secured with grant monies that will be applied for through the Town of Winamac's new parks and recreation board.

Reviewing the pool committee's progress so far, Heater noted, "we've raised over half the needed construction costs, and with grant opportunities now available, we're in a good place."

Donations will continue to be accepted for the project and may be directed to the Community Foundation of Pulaski County at P.O. Box 407, 127 E. Pearl St., Winamac. Visit pulaskiccf.org for more information.

Those wishing to support the pool project may also attend fundraisers planned for the project. A chicken bash is set for Wednesday, June 8. Tickets are available through Brad Zellers at the town office or at the YMCA. A fish fry and possible auction is set for September. A country breakfast event was held earlier this year.

Heater and her committee also have their eyes focused on the long-term maintenance of the pool.

"Maintaining the pool is every bit as important as building it," Heater noted.

Once the pool is constructed, the committee plans to establish a fund with the Community Foundation to support the pool's maintenance. Heater said her committee will continue to function to hold fund raisers for the pool for at least a few years after it is built.

She added the Winamac Town Council has also committed its support of the pool and will budget for its operation and maintenance. But Heater emphasized that the new project is envisioned as a "community" pool and will need continued outside support.

Expectations are the new five-foot-deep pool will be less costly to operate than the old 12-foot-deep pool, in terms of more efficient infrastructure, less water to fill and heat, less staff needed and other items.

The old "kiddie" pool will be closed in the new project, but at least two "splash pads" will eventually be included in the project. It is the goal to have the pool open for a "good three months," Heater said, and maybe a fourth month.

One woman at the meeting voiced concerns about tax rates with the pool project and the possibility of construction costs that exceed expectations. Heater explained the pool will be constructed with donations and grant monies, not with a bond issue, so there will be no additional taxes used for the project.

Another person said, "you have to have these amenities to draw families to live in Winamac," and pointed out such benefits the town already enjoys with its park system, including the Town Park, Reinhart Park, ball parks, tennis courts, walking trail, volleyball and basketball courts, and the Winamac Parkway.

Heater said the pool committee has worked to keep its efforts positive and upbeat, and the response has been supportive.