By: Deborah Johnson Wood
With $94,000 already in the coffers, Grand Rapids civic leaders this week launched Making Great Waves for Kids with a goal to raise $300,000 for the operation of the city pools during the summer of 2008.
"Our goal is to open all six pools, and that's contingent on raising the funds, so we're kicking it off earlier this year," says Rosalynn Bliss, city commissioner. "It's amazing how many people stepped up and made contributions last year, everything from $10 to $25,000."
Last summer, the Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department received donations totaling $211,000 that enabled the city to open all six city pools, 11 wading pools, and all of the water playgrounds for eight weeks. Nearly 71,000 people used the pools, including 56,780 youths who swam free of charge thanks to the generosity of Bob Sullivan, Glenn Steil Sr., Peter Secchia, and the Tim Sullivan Family.
In 2005 and 2006, budget cuts forced the city to keep three of its pools closed. That prompted Grand Rapids business owner Roosevelt Tillman, with the help of Commissioner Rosalynn Bliss, to launch the fundraising campaign. This year, Mike Van Singel of Rockford Construction will co-chair with Tillman.
The city also collected and gave away 1,640 swimsuits and 600 beach towels. The city offices at 201 Market SW will accept new and gently used swimsuits and towels Mondays through Fridays between 8 AM and 5 PM.
Checks can be made out to the City of Grand Rapids with "pools donation" in the memo section. Send to the City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department, 300 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2206.
Source: City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department; Rosalynn Bliss, City of Grand Rapids
Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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