Transforming vacant swimming pool into a bouncy water playground: debut of Blanchardville's swim pond
In the heart of Blanchardville, Wisconsin, a new attraction has emerged, bringing joy and relief to locals and visitors alike. On Aug. 1, the village opened a natural swimming pond in McKellar Park, a welcome addition after years of traveling elsewhere to swim[1][2].
The pond, featuring a large pier, monkey bars, and other floating play structures, as well as inflatable playground equipment, has quickly become a popular destination[3][4]. Kris Gruenenfelder, a mother of five, noted that it's especially nice for dairy farmers to have a local place to cool off after chores.
The idea for the pond didn't start as a natural swimming pond. Friends of McKellar Park initially set out to replace the old pool, but had to pivot due to unavailability of certain grants[5]. Marsha Crooks, a founding member of the group, and Jody Moen, its president, led the charge.
The fundraising journey for the natural swimming pond brought together a diverse group of people and strengthened community bonds[7]. Despite setbacks, including multiple declined grant applications and personal challenges, the committee's perseverance has been inspiring[8].
The pond is currently staffed by lifeguards and offers about 85 to 90 life jackets for visitors. However, families are encouraged to bring their own life jackets[6]. The cost to the village in regards to water and chemicals for the old pool was astronomical, making the natural swimming pond a more cost-effective solution[9].
The natural swimming pond design cost between $300,000 and $400,000 to construct, which is nearly $2 million less than the pool they first envisioned[10]. The nonprofit is currently raising money for a bathhouse with bathrooms, showers, storage, and a lifeguard office[11].
Marsha Crooks hopes the pond will revive a tradition of kids learning to swim locally[12]. Hallie Moen, a local teen, stated that it is packed every day[4]. The bathhouse project at the new natural swimming pond has raised nearly $500,000 since 2019[1].
Crooks credits the entire community for helping make the pond a reality[8]. She and the committee look forward to continuing to provide a fun and safe place for families to enjoy the summer.
[1] https://www.wisconsinpublicradio.org/news/2021/07/27/blanchardville-village-opens-natural-swimming-pond-in-mckellar-park/ [2] https://www.wkow.com/2021/08/02/blanchardville-opens-new-natural-swimming-pond-at-mckellar-park/ [3] https://www.wisconsinpublicradio.org/news/2021/07/27/blanchardville-village-opens-natural-swimming-pond-in-mckellar-park/ [4] https://www.wkow.com/2021/08/02/blanchardville-opens-new-natural-swimming-pond-at-mckellar-park/ [5] https://www.wisconsinpublicradio.org/news/2021/07/27/blanchardville-village-opens-natural-swimming-pond-in-mckellar-park/ [6] https://www.wkow.com/2021/08/02/blanchardville-opens-new-natural-swimming-pond-at-mckellar-park/ [7] https://www.wisconsinpublicradio.org/news/2021/07/27/blanchardville-village-opens-natural-swimming-pond-in-mckellar-park/ [8] https://www.wkow.com/2021/08/02/blanchardville-opens-new-natural-swimming-pond-at-mckellar-park/ [9] https://www.wisconsinpublicradio.org/news/2021/07/27/blanchardville-village-opens-natural-swimming-pond-in-mckellar-park/ [10] https://www.wisconsinpublicradio.org/news/2021/07/27/blanchardville-village-opens-natural-swimming-pond-in-mckellar-park/ [11] https://www.wkow.com/2021/08/02/blanchardville-opens-new-natural-swimming-pond-at-mckellar-park/ [12] https://www.wisconsinpublicradio.org/news/2021/07/27/blanchardville-village-opens-natural-swimming-pond-in-mckellar-park/
The new natural swimming pond in McKellar Park, Blanchardville, Wisconsin, has transformed into a hub for outdoor-living, offering a refreshing change from the previous reliance on swimming elsewhere[2][3]. Home-and-garden enthusiasts might appreciate the project's transformation of a dilapidated pool area into a thriving community space, fostering a sense of togetherness and promoting a lifestyle that cherishes local resources[8].
