Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
City hoping to receive $375,000 for new pool
A construction worker inspects rebar, cement and board at Hartley's new pool Tuesday afternoon. The crew has been focused on flooring and pipework this month.
If all goes according to plan, Hartley's new pool will be open sometime next summer.
A recent trip to Des Moines left Hartley officials feeling good about the city's chances at landing a big grant.
A contingent comprised of Mayor Rodney Ahrenstorff, Council Member Mary Westphalen, pool committee member Jackie Stoltz, Grounded owner Deidre Welch, Superintendent of Public Works Jaron Benz and City Administrator Erica Haack headed south last week to present information to the Enhance Iowa Board/Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Grant Committee about the city's pool project. The 11-member panel was able to review plans and ask questions, which will be taken into consideration when deciding the city's funding application.
CAT is administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority and assists projects that provide recreational, cultural, entertainment and educational attractions in Iowa communities, as well as sports tourism. Hartley is applying for $375,000.
"For not really practicing [the presentation], I thought it couldn't have gone any better," Westphalen said. "I thought they were really intrigued that a small town would collect all those pop cans to raise money. One guy on the panel was doing the math trying to figure out how many cans it was."
Hartley's original CAT grant application was one of 17 submitted in August from communities across the state. The city was one of seven invited to present to the board in person.
"We've got a lot of good things going for us," Benz said.
Hartley officials hope to hear back on whether the city was awarded any CAT funds within the next month.
"We're crossing our fingers and hopefully we can get that," Ahrenstorff said.
The $3 million project is being financed by a bond issue, grants and donations. As of Wednesday morning, $177,312 has been raised so far. Construction at Neebel Park began earlier this summer following demolition of the old pool, and crews are currently working on flooring and pipe installation.
According to the IEDA's website, other CAT-funded projects in O'Brien County include: Sheldon, lodge at Sheldon Crossing and aquatic center; Sutherland, R.L. Johannsen Community Center; Sanborn, aquatic center; Northwest Iowa Community College, Northwest Iowa Lifelong Learning & Recreation Center; O'Brien County Conservation Board, Prairie Hertage Center.
