SAVE OUR POOL
chippewa falls, wisconsin
ABOUT THE
SAVE OUR POOL
GRASSROOTS MOVEMENT
Fighting For Safety And Community
The Save Our Pool grassroots group formed in April 2022 after a newspaper article alerted Chippewa Falls, WI, residents of major repairs needed to the Bernard F. Willi Outdoor Pool. The Parks and Recreation Board and the City Council were considering closing the pool for good after the 2022 summer season.
After much research, Save Our Pool members learned that the pool has been struggling for years -- without a clear business model or five to 10-year plan.
Members associated with Save Our Pool all have the same goal in mind -- to create a business plan, remodel timeline and lifeguard feeder program and community foundation funds to ensure the pool will remain viable for many years to come.Â
An outdoor, community pool is crucial to the safety of children in the area. With so many waterways in the Chippewa Valley, and without an outdoor pool in the summer, children may take to rivers and streams for water fun. With no lifeguards patrolling those waterways, children's safety is at risk. In addition, a pool of this nature draws families to the area.Â
We emphasize transparency in everything we do by setting bold goals and pursuing a clear strategy that seeks to put our outdoor community pool back in business.
We invite you to learn more about how you can make an impact.
OUR ROADMAP
What We Believe In
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
Save Our Pool has built an environment of support to foster fiscal responsibility in updating and maintaining our pool. We vow that as we move through the process of saving our pool, fiscal responsibility will always be a priority.
BUSINESS MODEL
Having a realistic and workable business model is an essential pillar of saving our pool. With a clear budget, goals and timeline, the pool will thrive.
COLLABORATION
As a grassroots group of Chippewa Valley residents, collaboration is key to helping the pool thrive. It takes a village. We intend to inspire our "village" to get involved for the safety of our children and the positive lifestyle of our community.
TIMELINE OF EVENTS
APRIL 12, 2022
Eau Claire Leader-Telegram reported the Bernard F. Willi Chippewa Falls outdoor pool likely would close for good after the 2022 season, according to comments from Chippewa Falls Parks and Recreation Director John Jimenez and council members during a city council meeting the previous evening.
APRIL 14, 2022
Chippewa Falls resident Katie Crise starts a petition via Facebook called Save Our Pool - Chippewa Falls. That petition would garner more than 1,300 signatures from people throughout the Chippewa Valley.
MAY 3, 2022
More than 30 community members pack the Chippewa Falls City Council Chamber in support of the outdoor pool. Several members of the newly-formed Save Our Pool grassroots committee speak in favor of saving the pool.
MAY 10, 2022
Members of the Save Our Pool group attend the Chippewa Falls Park Board meeting and speak in favor of saving the outdoor pool. They ask for a special committee to be formed.
MAY 24, 2022
Members of the Save Our Pool group attend the Chippewa Falls City Council meeting and ask the council to approve of a special committee to research and make a recommendation to the Park Board.
JUNE 7, 2022
Members from the Save Our Pool group attend the City Council Meeting and request that a special committee be formed to research and make a recommendation to the Park Board.
JUNE 13, 2022
The pool is set to open, but the Parks and Recreation department posts on Facebook that it does not have enough lifeguards to open the pool for a few days.
JUNE 14, 2022
Save Our Pool members attend the Chippewa Falls Park Board meeting and ask for a special committee to be formed to research and make a recommendation to the Park Board. The Park Board votes to form a special committee.
JUNE 16, 2022
The pool officially opens for the season.
SOS: SAVE OUR SWIM
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Ready to make an impact? Contact us to learn how we can begin working together.