Grassroots effort matched by major gifts will allow city to cancel planned fee
WATERTOWN — The Northern New York Community Foundation is pleased to announce that a group of donors have come together to make possible the free use of the city’s two outdoor pools for the season.
The Community Foundation, together with Watertown Savings Bank, local developer Jake Johnson, the Jane Deline Foundation, and dozens of individual donors, have generously provided support that will ensure free swimming throughout the summer.
After the city announced it would charge a $3 per person fee to use the pools this year, a charitable fund established at the Community Foundation in 2020 drew attention from the public, which has generously responded in support of free use of city pools. Since June 8, more than 60 donors have made gifts to the fund, building it to nearly $9,000.
City officials budgeted $50,000 for annual pool attendance.
Thanks to major gifts from Watertown Savings Bank, the Jane Deline Foundation and Mr. Johnson, enough support has now been raised to allow the city to cancel the pool use fee for the season.
Watertown residents Michelle Tinsley and Carrie Stephens have been working to encourage gifts to the city pool fund at the Foundation. The two women are passionate about helping children in the community access safe and meaningful recreation.
“I’m just thrilled that this has come together so kindly to help the children in our community,” Mrs. Tinsley said. “Every child should be able to swim on hot summer days without having to worry about spending extra money to do so.”
Watertown Mayor Sarah V.C. Pierce expressed gratitude for the recent development.
“There are few things more important than ensuring our children have opportunities to get outside and get active during the summertime,” Mayor Pierce said. “I’d like to express my thanks to the individuals, businesses, and organizations — namely the Northern New York Community Foundation — that have come together to make using our city’s pools free this summer. As the City continues to work to improve its financial stability, and maintain assets such as our pools, this generous support is essential to ensuring swimming remains accessible for all as summer kicks off.”
City Manager Eric Wagenaar added that the free use of the city’s pools at North Elementary School and in Thompson Park would begin immediately. He added that the city would provide a full refund to any residents who may have purchased a season pass.
Community Foundation President and CEO Rande S. Richardson said the effort is a great example of how people in our communities join together to rally in support of positive things for our neighbors.
“The initial outpouring of support was so inspiring that we immediately began looking to bring additional partners together to build upon that grassroots effort,” Mr. Richardson said. “This is another reminder of the incredibly generous and caring community we are blessed to live in, and the power of the will of the people to make good things happen,” he said.
The Community Foundation will continue to steward gifts in support of the city pools. Should a future need arise, it will evaluate the best way to help ensure all children can access the pools.
About the Northern New York Community Foundation
Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.
Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.
The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.