The Madison Parks Foundation received a $50,000 contribution from Madison Gas and Electric Foundation for the proposed Goodman pool, the first public pool in the city, which will begin construction in July.
According to spokesperson for Madison Gas and Electric Steve Kraus, the MGE Foundation’s contribution is unlike many other donations that will be put towards the general construction costs of the pool.
“The money is earmarked to be used to purchase higher efficiency equipment for the pool such as lighting, pumps and filters — many things that have to do with the energy operation of the pool,” Kraus said, adding the foundation is a charitable arm of MGE that gives donations to community events and programs. “This is earmarked for an area that our company is familiar with.”
The contribution “keeps on giving” because the overall energy costs of the pool will decrease due to the lower amount of electricity and gas needed to operate the pool, Kraus said.
The fundraising drive for the Goodman Pool has earned enough money to build an 800-person capacity pool with the $3.7 million they have currently raised, but the goal is to campaign for an additional $400,000 to upgrade the pool, to hold 1,000 people.
According to George Twigg, spokesperson for Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, more of the same fundraising will be completed over the next few months in order to reach this goal.
“The mayor and other community leaders who are on the pool finance committee are going to continue working the phones and try to find other members of the community who are hoping to help us out,” Twigg said.
Members of the general public will be encouraged to donate money, Twigg said, adding that as of last week there have been more than $35,000 in contributions from the general public ranging from $3 to $1,000.
“This is something that’s going to benefit Madison for a long time to come,” Twigg said. “It’s a great investment for people to help make the city a better place.”
Irvin and Robert Goodman donated $2.5 million to the campaign and CUNA Mutual, the Evjue Foundation and American Family Insurance have each given $100,000. Cieslewicz and his wife Dianne donated $500, according to a release.
The release also listed the Oscar Rennebohm Foundation, Zimbrick of Madison and Youth Services, Inc. as recent local businesses who contributed $25,000 each.
The Goodman pool, which will be built at Franklin Field on Olin Avenue, is set to break ground this July and continue construction until May of 2006. The grand opening is scheduled for Memorial Day weekend of 2006.
The plans include a sand volleyball court, waterslides and a separate area for swimming laps and leisure. A concession stand, changing rooms and group shelters to shade from the sun are also sketched on the layout.
Donations can be made for the Goodman community pool through the Madison Parks Foundation at http://www.madisonparksfoundation.org.
