Hartley pool receives early Christmas present

Though it's not anywhere close to finished, Hartley's new pool made a big splash last week.

City officials were notified that the pool received a $350,000 Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grant to help finance its construction. The city in August applied for CAT funding, which is administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority and assists projects that provide recreational, cultural, entertainment and educational attractions in Iowa communities.

A group from Hartley traveled to Des Moines in October to present information to the Enhance Iowa Board/CAT Grant Committee about the city's pool project, and officials returned to the City With a Heart feeling confident about the odds at landing some cash. The city had originally applied for a $375,000 grant.

"Our project and application fit the criteria well and based on past funding to similar projects, we felt we would have a good chance of success," said City Administrator Erica Haack. "It was a great opportunity to be able to present to the Committee in October to really personalize our application and highlight the community support behind the project."

Construction of Hartley's new pool is underway at Neebel Park. The $3 million project is being financed by a bond issue, grants and donations. Haack said progress has stayed on schedule thanks to a warm fall, and crews plan to continue work through the winter. The pool is slated to open in the summer of 2022.

Haack, who spearheaded efforts to apply for the grant, was excited to see Hartley land such a large sum for the pool.

"Our pool committee and everyone closely involved with the project couldn't be happier that all of the efforts put forth to attain this grant were rewarded," she said. "It's inspiring to see everyone come together to support the new pool. We know it will have a positive impact toward the quality of life here in Hartley and are looking forward to see this dream become a reality over the next few months."

Hartley's original CAT grant application was one of 17 submitted from communities across the state. The city was one of seven invited to present to the board in person this fall. A total of $5.1 million was eventually distributed, with Spirit Lake and Sioux Center in northwest Iowa also landing grants.

Jackie Stoltz, spokeswoman for the Hartley Community Pool Campaign, was over the moon about the news.

"We're all very, very pleased," she said. "A big thanks goes to Erica for finding it and applying for it. She put a lot of work into it."

Stoltz said Hartley residents can think of the grant as an early Christmas gift.

"It's a good present," she said. "You just never know with these things when you apply."