By Mary Owen
Friends of the Stayton Pool is raising funds for a new sound system to be used for the Stayton Triathlon and swim meets.
“”The pool also has numerous adult classes which would benefit from the sound system, and the children’s swim lessons,” said Linda Rhoten, spokesperson for the nonprofit group that raises funds for the Stayton Family Memorial Pool, which is owned by the city of Stayton and managed by the Santiam Family YMCA.
Also on the committee’s list is a scoreboard to be used for the Manta Ray and school swim teams
“Ideally, we would like to install the scoreboard while the pool is closed for remodeling the dressing rooms,” Rhoten said. Failing that September time frame, “we will aim for the late fall swim meet season.”
The first $2,500 of the needed $5,000-$10,000, will go toward purchasing the sound system, according to Rhoten.
“While the pool is empty, ladders will be brought in so that the speakers can be mounted from the beams over the pool,” she said. “Mounted in this way, the reverberation from the concrete walls would be mitigated. This would be a huge advantage.”
Through conversations with pool staff, Friends of the Pool members make a list of projects needed to enhance the pool.
“Pool patrons also contact our members with wants and wishes,” Rhoten said. The new projects, she added, “will provide equipment that actually functions! Currently, any need for the sound system must be met by borrowing, begging or renting, especially for the triathlon, and patching.”
Rhoten said staffers sometimes provide their own sources for music during classes.
The committee’s first project in 2011 was raising funds for a life chair to enable handicap access to the pool, making the facility compliant with ADA standards, she said.
“We also received grants totaling $18,000 for supporting children’s swim lessons,” she added “We were able to purchase and install new drinking fountains and a white message board. On several occasions, we have also purchased exercise equipment, a raft for water safety training, as well as some recreational items.”
The group also sponsored special training for pool staff, she said.
“We are requesting donations from individuals and businesses to help us in this newest project,” Rhoten said. They hope to have the sound system funded by Sept. 15.
Rhoten asks that tax-deductible donations for the sound system and the scoreboard, due by Oct. 1, be sent to: Friends of the Stayton Pool, P.O. Box 828, Stayton, OR 97383.
For information, call Rhoten, 503-362-0756 or Corby Minnich, 503-769-8179.
