Thanks to the City of La Crosse, you can check out the NEW DESIGN for the pool coming in UNDER BUDGET at $3.1M and featuring: eight swimming lanes, a deep water diving and play area, an updated bathhouse that meets current standards for accessibility/safety while preserving its historic character, the capacity to support a variety of recreational and educational programming for ALL ages and abilities, and a generous/welcoming deck space for gathering and building community. We are wowed! There are always small modifications before construction, but we STRONGLY SUPPORT THIS DESIGN FOR APPROVAL at the City's Finance and Personnel meeting on Thursday 8/2 at 6pm as well as City Council on 8/9 at 6pm. WE NEED EVERYONE TO PITCH IN NOW! 2 Simple things you can do: 1. Come Thur, 8/2 at 6p, City Hall, to register in support of the pool design - PLEASE, WE NEED SUPPORTERS TO HELP HERE! 2. Email City Council in support - being brief and positive (zzcouncilmembers@cityoflacrosse.org, veteransmemorialpoollax@gmail.com) An example for you to customize (do not copy and paste the whole thing, speak your truth, but be short and sweet): Dear City Council Members: Thank you for over 3 years of support for the citywide Veterans Memorial Pool renovation effort. Veterans Memorial Pool is a rare opportunity to build community, improve health, honor our veterans and preserve our valuable heritage. It is an investment in city revitalization for some areas as well as prevention of decline for others. Like having quality roads, sewers, fire/police services, and parks, it makes living in La Crosse worthwhile. Please continue to move Veterans Memorial Pool forward by approving the new pool design and remaining funding to open the pool in 2019. If you need more ideas, consider the recently adopted Case Statement by the Campaign below: Veterans Memorial Pool Campaign - Dedicated to community health and heritage through aquatics Who are we? The Veterans Memorial Pool Campaign (VMPC) is a group of community members who have been working together to champion the renovation of the historic La Crosse Municipal Pool as Veterans Memorial Pool, a 21st-century neighborhood aquatic center welcoming to all ages and abilities. What Is our mission? To support the renovation and reopening of Veterans Memorial Pool in order to promote health, develop life-saving skills, build community, and honor our heritage by investing in our future. What is our goal? The campaign’s goal is to raise $500,000 to purchase equipment and amenities that will be donated to the City of La Crosse to support the 2019 opening of Veterans Memorial Pool, realizing the city’s design for an aquatic center that includes: -eight swimming lanes -a deep water diving and play area -an updated bathhouse that meets current standards for accessibility and safety while preserving its historic character -the capacity to support a variety of recreational and educational programming -a generous, welcoming deck space for gathering and building community. Why do we ask for your support? We believe that revitalizing and reopening Veterans Memorial Pool will provide a facility that offers: -aquatic options for ALL ages and abilities -a walkable, bikeable location for over 29,000 community members who live within 1.5 miles of VMP -an additional city facility to support summer recreation, swimming education, and aquatic programming, especially for our center-city youth and families -investment in the stability of surrounding neighborhoods facing stresses common to urban environments -revitalization of a beloved La Crosse landmark where residents can gather to build a healthy community. What Is Our Call to Action? The VMP Campaign offers our enthusiastic support for the city’s renovation and reopening of Veterans Memorial Pool. We are asking for your continued support for the pool design and for ongoing funding for this vital project in the heart of our city.