Group Nears Goal of Purchasing Williamstown Pool
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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — A group formed to try to purchase the landmark Sand Springs pool is within reach of its $550,000 goal.
Sand Springs Recreational Center says it has raised $505,000, but must come up with another $45,000 in the next four weeks in time to open the pool for the summer season.
Recent contributions include foundation grants totaling $37,500 and institutional pledges of $15,000.
Williamstown residents are getting direct appeals in their mailboxes to help the group over this final hurdle by June 15.
The facility includes one of the only thermal spas in the Northeast, the pool and bathhouse. Sand Springs has been closed for several years as the current owners seek a buyer. The Sand Springs Recreational Center formed nearly two years ago to buy the property.
Plans include:
- Building a learn-to-swim program organized by Olympic gold-medalist Samantha Livingstone and Carl Samuelson (longtime Williams College head swim coach);
- Opening a recreational center for swimming, exercise machines and sauna, hot tub, healthy suppers, basketball, volleyball, croquet and horseshoes
- Preserving a 250-year old landmark that's been a place to relax and recreate for generations.
- Keeping the membership dues affordable.
As part of its final push, board members are meeting with donors, conducting a social media campaign, and issuing press statements.
"We can see the finish line," said Janette Kessler Dudley, president of Sand Springs Recreational Center, "but we won't get there unless everyone who cares about this important community endeavor pitches in today to make it a reality."
Other members of the SSRC board include Joe Bergeron, Stephanie Boyd, Joe Cleary, Hugh Daley, Treasurer Christina Howard, Maryam Kamangar, Josiah Low, John McAlister, Clerk Steve Narey, Jane Patton, Carl Samuelson, Malcolm Smith, Jeff Stripp and Jennifer Trainer Thompson.
To help support the effort to re-open historic Sand Springs, donations may be made online at www.sandspringspool.org or by mail to Sand Springs Recreational Center Inc., P.O. Box 800, Williamstown, MA 01267.
Sand Springs Recreational Center is a 501(c)(3) organization and all contributions are fully tax-deductible. For more information: info@sandspringspool.org.
Tags: fundraising, Sand Springs, swimming, youth programs,
