After 21 years of fundraising for one of Turner Valley’s most beloved facility, the Friends of the Pool Society has given notice it is disbanding. Long serving members Tracie David, Brenda Thompson, Barb Savage and Hazel Martin have devoted countless hours to fundraising and supporting initiatives to enhance the facility. As a final gesture of community support, the group donated remaining funds in the amount of $27,000 to be applied to upgrades to the canopies over the bleachers and in the picnic area of the spray park.
The group was recognized and thanked by Council at its meeting on January 4, 2021. CAO Todd Sharpe outlined the details of the organizations outstanding contributions since it was established in 1999. The extensive list of facility, operational, program and event improvements resulting from their efforts is nothing short of remarkable. CAO Sharpe stated “the Friends of the Pool organization has worked tirelessly and without seeking recognition for over 20 years to enrich our cherished pool. The Town of Turner Valley Council, administration and its residents have benefited from their profound dedication and extraordinary work in raising funds. We offer our sincere thanks and deep gratitude to these individuals who have so unselfishly donated their time, talents and funds to the Town.”
Managed entirely by volunteers, the organization successfully financed and directed several initiatives, listed here in chronological order:
2003: Applied/received a grant from the Community Initiatives Program (CIP) for skylight, bleachers, roof, and fence around the pool.
2003: Friends of the pool provided input to the town for the hiring of pool manager and also applied to the Summer Temporary Employment Program (STEP) for summer workers at the pool.
2003: Family triathlon – funds raised from this event were donated to the pool. Friends members donated hot dogs, drinks, and support supplied members to volunteer.
2004: Raffle held for a quilt donated – used money from this to purchase pool toys.
2004: Silent auction along with a tea and bake sale held in conjunction with 40th anniversary of pool – raised $1,079. CFEP grant received – $9,794. – canopies and concrete pad – $13,305.
2006: STEP funding for pool staffing, $2,904.
2007: Millarville Horticultural grant, $1,050.
2007: CIP grant received – $4,224. Feasibility study for pool and flare n derrick
2008: Cash calendar joint fundraiser with Turner Valley Legion – profit of $1,700. Friends initiated the first family New Years’ Eve celebration.
2009: Friends purchased deck furniture – $1,050.
2009: Paid for mural on front of pool – $3,500.
2011: Purchased deck furniture – $1,282.
2015: CIP grant of $7,729. for fencing at spray park – $12,600.
2016 + 2017: paid for spray park dividers – $5,350.
2018: Purchased pool toys – $1,000.
List of donors and sponsors over the years:
Foothills Lions Club Talisman Energy/ Legacy CL Marketing
Royal Bank
Signs and Such
Dawn Johnson of T.V. triathlon
Woodmaster Homes
Millarville Horticultural Society
Foothills County
Turner Valley Legion
Total Amount of Provincial Grant Monies Applied For and Received: $24,651.
Annual Allotment Received from Talisman Energy/Legacy: $32,000.
Other Donations Received: $6,507.
Money Raised Through Fundraising
Raffle
Cash Calendar sale Tea and bake sale $2,856.
Total funds collected and attributed to pool enhancements: $66,000.
List of Projects completed at the pool and spray park
Roof, skylights, bleachers
Canopies and concrete pad
Deck furniture and planters
Feasibility study for community hall and pool
Change room dividers for spray park Fence around spray park
Picnic tables for spray park
Mural on front of pool
Submitted by Todd Sharpe
Chief Administrative Officer Town of Turner Valley 403.933.4944 www.turnervalley.ca
