The Sundre Aquaplex board of directors is requesting an additional $5,000 from the Town of Sundre and Mountain View County recreational grant for the year of 2014.
“We will continue to fundraise, apply for grants and ask for donations, but without the help from the Town of Sundre, we fear that it will be too much of a burden to bear alone,” said Nicky Vardas, chair of the board, in a letter to council dated Oct. 29.
The board received $165,000 from the grant for the year of 2013 and is requesting $170,000 for the year of 2014.
“For the upcoming year of 2014, we are requesting an increased amount of $170,000 from the recreation grant funds. As you are aware, without these funds we would have difficulty remaining open.”
The board is facing what she claims to be its “biggest issue yet”, which is to repair three chlorination systems at the facility. The chlorination systems are what clean the pools and keep the facility open.
“We have been faced with many battles this year, the biggest being the repairs on the systems that keep our pools running,” said Vardas. “We have, with help from staff, patrons and ourselves, through fundraising, donations and many hours of hard work, been able to apply approximately $44,000 worth of funds into repairs into the pool side of the facility.”
As well, through a fundraising golf tournament and grant money, much of the old and broken-down gym equipment has been replaced.
“Yet we are now faced with our biggest issue, being the chlorination system that keeps the pools open. Unfortunately there are three systems to repair.”
Usage of the facility has increased this year, she said, as a result of obtaining the new gym equipment, hiring a personal trainer and a fitness trainer. As well, the facility is offering more classes such as yoga, a babysitting course, swimming lessons, lifeguard training sessions and two kayaking sessions per month.
“We have applied for grants and entered contests in hopes of winning some funds to help with the costs of these major repairs. Through all this we have to keep the staff and bills paid, and things seem to be getting better,” she said.
“Our plans for the future are simple, to have a facility that everyone of all ages can enjoy for years to come.”
During the council meeting on Nov. 4, Vardas and fellow board member Dorothy Thengs were present to make the request.
They said in comparison to 2012, the income of the facility increased by $22,000 this year. Board members also put a wage freeze in place and spent less in general operating, which saved the facility $55,000.
They told council that working on the facility's reputation has been a priority. Goals for 2014 include finishing the list of repairs, maintaining repairs properly, advertising and creating a savings account. From Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, more than 33,000 people went through the facility's door.
Coun. Myron Thompson suggested for them to approach Clearwater County council to request funding.
Coun. Tony Jordan said it is “incredible” that the board saved $55,000 this year and that not many organizations that request funding have done that. Council accepted the presentation for information, which will be referred to upcoming budget deliberations.
