Pools-Saving Effort Raises $72,000

The challenge to save the Renton pools has been met.

Earlier this year, Patch told you who were working to save the Hazen and Lindbergh pools, which were potentially on the chopping block after district funding was cut.

The district challenged community organizers to raise funds, to the tune of $60,000—the amount necessary to keep the pools open.

Organizers met that challenge and exceeded it. The last figure the district announced was $72,000—which will include matching funds from Boeing and Microsoft.

Donors gave with their hearts and opened their pocketbooks, including a $10,000 donation in the Gold category from the Bellevue Swim Club Team Boosters.

Hazen Beyond The Basics, Issaquah Swim Team, Wiegardt Brothers Inc., were Silver Sponsors at the $3,000 to $5,000 level.

Kevin Almon, M Squared Manufacturing, Pacific Dragons Booster Club, Pool Party at Lindbergh Pool, Renton Civic Theater Fundraiser, Swim to Save Fundraiser all donated between $1,000 and $2,999.

Chris Carlson, the community pools organizer, outlined in a news release a long list of donors to the pools cause, including individual donors who gave generously in the less than $49 category.

"We exceeded the challenging goal set by Renton School District last fall," Carlson said in the statement.

The pools at Hazen and Lindbergh high schools are used by community members in Bellevue, Issaquah, Kent and Renton for swim meets and practices.

Both pools are also used heavily by the public for safety practices with the Renton Fire Department and teaching swimming lessons.

The community will be meeting again in the fall to understand the fund raising target for 2011-12 and build plans based on lessons learned this year. It is expected to be a much smaller requirement, Carlson said.