The Haxtun-Fleming Herald - What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope

Haxtun’s 2035 Master Plan states, “Haxtun is a great place to grow up, go to school, raise a family and make a home. It is a multi-generational root, strong sense of civic pride and an ethic of volunteerism. It is committed to its youth. Haxtun directs its future and drives its own destiny and the agricultural heritage continues to be an important influence.” The words, “Haxtun directs it’s future and drives its own destiny” hits home to the members of the Haxtun Swimming Pool Renovation Committee. The current committee took over in 2021 and continues to build upon past committees’ efforts by fulfilling that strong sense of civic pride and ethic of volunteerism.

The Haxtun Swimming Pool Committee, Colorado State University Extension and Phillips County Economic Development would like to thank the Haxtun community for completing the “Pool Surveys” in July 2022. The committee extends thanks to children who drew pictures, those that wrote letters in support and community members of all ages that placed stickers on large posters — hung at several different locations — to identify the elements they desire in their future pool.

The pool committee has been working hard to raise funds and build awareness of the importance of an updated pool due to safety and community recreation needs. In doing so, the committee would like to give an update by sharing a timeline of efforts, survey results, grant status and inform the community about upcoming fundraising opportunities.

Fundraising efforts first begun in 2002, when Haxtun eighth grade students initiated a “Pennies for Pools” campaign. The eighth grade students wanted to know what 1 million of something looked like and they wanted to help build a new swimming pool. The students were successful in raising $4,888 (in pennies). After the 2002 “Pennies for Pools” campaign, the idea of building a new pool was set aside as communities tried to sustain the times.

In 2016, the Haxtun Health and Fitness Initiative, made up of five volunteer community members, one town board member and the Town Superintendent, began a collaborative project with CU — Denver for design and drawings of an indoor recreation center with an attached outdoor aquatic exercise area. In 2017, the design and plans were received from CU Denver partners and overall cost was estimated to be more than $5 million. After consultation with the Town of Haxtun Superintendent and Board Members, the importance of downsizing the project was realized to be able to reach the goals of a safe recreational pool for the Haxtun community. By 2018, the community had raised $8,873.34 through community donations solicited through pledge letters being sent out to all town businesses and several community members. Pledges were then received from Phillips County Recreation District ($90,000) and Heginbotham Trust ($50,000). Unfortunately, COVID caused major delays in engaging the community and the project was put on hold.

In 2021, in recognition that the project scope had changed — the HHFI was renamed and reorganized to the Pool Renovation Committee — made up of additional volunteer community members, one town board member, the Mayor of Haxtun and the Town Superintendent. The Pool Renovation Committee reengaged the community by sending out new pledge letters and organizing local fundraisers. The new engagement efforts resulted in an additional $237,578.94 cash donations and $90,000 by local in-kind donations. With the momentum of funds coming in, the Town of Haxtun had also realized the safety concerns and the immediate need to tear down the building of the pool. The Town of Haxtun started getting in bids on demolition of the building and budgeting the necessities to upgrade the already standing pool. Designs were made, local in-kind contractors submitted plans and the creation of the $1.65 million renovation project was established. Plans were based on past and recent community engagement with the pool being ADA compliant, zero entry, lap lanes, a toddler slide and lighted bubble fixtures were emphasized in their design.

Pool Committee members started working with Phillips County Economic Development, which helps bring important information and connections to Phillips County. Therefore, in July of 2022, Trisha Herman, PCED Director, brought Great Outdoor Colorado Roadshow out to Holyoke Highschool. Swimming pool committee member, Abby Henry ,and Town Superintendent, Ron Carpenter, attended the meeting and learned the Haxtun Swimming Pool Project was eligible to submit a concept letter for a GOCO grant for nearly $1 million dollars. Since the grant would be coming from Great Outdoor Colorado – it would have to be an outdoor pool. Surveys were collected in July of 2022 which allowed community members to help with final design input, give comments and feedback, but most of all, allow the committee to know if the community was engaged and wanting a new pool.

Surveys results indicated out of 133 responses, 115 people said they currently use the Haxtun Pool facilities with 124 people stating that the pool is extremely important. Eighty-seven percent of respondents use the pool with the following being the top priorities: swimming lessons, open swim, night swim, lap swim, water aerobics/fitness, parent and tot time and therapy. Surveys stated that they would be sad, disappointed and devastated if they lost the community pool. Surveys also included that 84.2 percent would like a water slide and 69.2 percent would like a kiddie pool. As far as amenities go, 88.7 percent wanted shaded area and 61.7 percent would like a new bathhouse. Please visit https://bit.ly/haxtunpoolsurvey to see full results of the survey.

With survey results and community feedback indicating the importance of a community pool, the process of applying for the GOCO grant was a go. Henry worked to start the process of submitting for the GOCO grant through a concept letter by Aug. 4. While Trisha Herman helped by applying for additional grant funding through the Gates Family Foundation. Committee members are happy to report that out of 31 projects that were submitted, 13 projects have been invited back to submit a GOCO application with the Haxtun Pool Renovation Project being apart of that group. With this exciting news, members felt it was time to inform the community that the GOCO application will be submitted by the deadline of Sept. 15. Even with the pool committee working with Phillips County Economic Development to find more grant opportunities, there will still be a financial gap between what has been raised/pledged and anticipated grant funding. The pool committee estimates they will need to raise at least $226,000 or more to complete this project.

With the estimated gap of $226,000, the Haxtun Pool Renovation Committee will hold fundraising opportunities for the community to participate in. Starting on Tuesday, Sept. 6 through Monday, Sept. 12, the pool committee has combined forces with Haxtun Schools and community businesses for a “Pennies for Pool” campaign fundraiser. With a slide being the main want from the kids, this will allow the children to pick the slide of their choice which was not originally part of the existing proposal. The pool committee will also hold a freewill donation meal on Saturday, Sept. 24 at the 101st Haxtun Corn Festival from 5–7 p.m.

If you would like to help, volunteer time or donate funds to the Haxtun Swimming Pool Project, please contact Abby Henry, Margo Sauder, Barb Ensminger, Lee Salyards, Stephanie Starkebaum or the Town of Haxtun. GOCO representatives have urged the community to continue their efforts. GOCO grants will be awarded on Dec. 4. Continue to watch for more fundraising opportunities in the future.