The Sundre Aquaplex board of directors has been struggling financially over the last year.
“We have numerous repairs because the facility is aging and hasn't been well maintained,” said Nicky Vardas, president of the board.
There was a switchover of staff in December and the new board is trying to fix the situation, she said.
“We've been fundraising, applying for grants, trying to get new programs, but we have a shortage of staff right now.”
Vardas joined the board in December and believes with “a lot of hard work” the Aquaplex will get back up to normal.
She said the board is looking for volunteers for upcoming fundraisers, including a planned swim-a-thon in April.
They are also looking for help from corporate sponsors, she said.
Board members requested at the March 18 council meeting to receive quarterly payments rather than one per year. Council approved the request.
The board also receives funding from Mountain View County, she said.
In November, board members requested to receive an advance in their 2013 funding.
Previous to this request, board members were denied a line of credit from the bank and during the staff switchover certain grants weren't applied for.
A total of $165,000 was allocated for the Aquaplex in the 2013 Town of Sundre budget from recreation and culture funding and $30,000 of that was paid to the board in December, following their request.
The money was paid out of surplus and was to be replenished by recreation funding.
Of the $135,000 remaining, $45,000 was paid in March and the rest will be paid in June and September.
In following years, the Aquaplex will receive funding in January, April, July and September, rather than once in July.
“With a new board in place and some staff changes, we are trying to turn around the pool's situation,” said Vardas, in a letter to council.
“We only ask for this (quarterly payments) as we are still starting with a deficit and it will take some time to pull the pool out of it, due to unforeseen expenses,” reads the letter.
The Aquaplex board is having its annual meeting in April and members are hoping for positive results in turning the pool around.
