Carthage, Il-The Carthage Swimming Pool has 14 new lounge chairs for summer patrons thanks to two recent fundraising events and supporting funds from Carthage Park District.
"I reached out to Sarah earlier this spring because my kids kept talking about how much they couldn't wait to go back to the Carthage pool as we started to plan our summer. Last year during COVID, so much was limited, and we were so grateful for the pool being open. It was a huge part of our summer and I wanted to find a way to give back," said Natalie Cole of the recently formed Carthage Pool committee. "I knew that seating was limited from spending so much time there last summer."
$900 was raised through two fundraisers held including a "pool party" at BOLD Nutrition and Wellness on Saturday, April 10 and a fudge sale fundraiser with Lilly's Frozen Yogurt in May. The pool was able to purchase five lounge chairs, four other chairs and the Carthage Park District also purchased five new chairs for the pool.
"Some people don't realize that the pool, while funded by the Park District, doesn't actually make money-with the exception of last year since so many other area pools were closed," said Chris Talley, of the Carthage Park District board. "Anything 'extra' or upgrades require us to do some fundraising."
The Carthage Swimming Pool is located across from the Carthage Jaycee Park and is open daily. More information about pricing, lessons, classes and parties is available at carthageparkdistrict.org/carth
Photo cutline: Back row left to right are Sarah Talley, pool manager; Natalie Cole pool committee member; Morgan McDonald BOLD Nutrition and Welllness manager. Front row left to right are Elizabeth Talley of BOLD Nutrition and former lifeguard at Carthage Pool seated next to Charlie Bair, owner of Lilly's Frozen Yogurt.