Community Pool Project Receives “Pay It Forward” Donation
November 11th, 2013 – The New Rockford Community Pool Project has received a donation from Lynn Johnson through Bell State Bank & Trust’s “Pay It Forward” program, which provides the bank’s employees with funds to donate to the non-profit organization or project of their choice. Lynn (Ingwaldson) Johnson, a former New Rockford resident, explained with the donation, “During my high school years I was a lifeguard, so the swimming pool and my home town have a special place in my heart.”
Bell State Bank & Trust began their “Pay It Forward” program in 2007 providing each full time employee with $1000 and each part time employee $500 per year to donate to the project of their choice. Since its inception, the program has given over $3 million to worthy causes.
The New Rockford Pool project has received other donations this year, even before fundraising efforts had officially begun. The New Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce donated the proceeds from its annual Banquet and Silent Auction to the project, amounting to over $3300. The New Rockford-Sheyenne chapter of SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) also donated proceeds from their Mr. NRS Pageant event, totaling $500.
The pool project is the culmination of more than a year’s research and community polling by a committee consisting of local business and city leaders, parents, and students. The committee’s recommendation is to construct a new swimming pool and bathhouse, all compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act for accessibility, and with features such as a diving board, waterslide, and kiddie splash play area. The project is estimated to cost $1.5 million, to be funded primarily through bonds, grant writing, and fundraising.
A special election has been set for December 11, 2013, for New Rockford city residents to vote on the tax portion of the proposed funding package for the pool project. Voting will take place at the Brown Memorial Auditorium, 3 7th St S in New Rockford. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Absentee ballots are currently available at City Hall.
Information on the project is available at City Hall or online at www.cityofnewrockford.com Questions about the project may be directed to Pool Committee Co-Chair Sarah Smith Warren at 947-2205, Park Board President Judy Allmaras at 302-0034 or Mayor of New Rockford Jim Belquist at 302-0524.