On the Fast Track to Cooler Days in Williston . . . Williston Community Builders Announce Potential Sites for Outdoor Pool

Williston, ND (KEYZ) With the heat in Williston topping 90 degrees Tuesday evening, the thought of a refreshing dip ( . . . or two . . . or three . . . ) in an outdoor pool was top of mind at Williston Community Builders' Splish, Splash . . . it's a Pool Fundraiser Bash, outside at Rivers Edge Bar and Grill. As such, the Builders' Pool Action Committee is certainly wasting no time in working to make their dream of "a huge, fully-operational outdoor pool that could become a destination for others in the surrounding towns and cities to come visit" a reality, announcing three potential sites for the facility.

The sites announced Tuesday, which have already been vetted by an architect, include Cutting Field Stadium (located off of Highway 2), Williston Square, and an addition to the existing Williston Area Recreation Center (the ARC). Pool Action Committee Member Emily Ramage-Geltel said the current list is "absolutely not" final, stating that they are open to land donations or other suggestions for a pool within the city of Williston.

Ramage-Geltel also outlined the timeline for the project Tuesday.

"We're looking at a 12 month fundraising effort followed by a two year build-out with the goal for the pool to be fully-operational by the 2024/2025 pool season."

Since announcing their intentions to mount a campaign for an outdoor pool in the city at last month's meeting of the Williston Parks and Recreation District board, the Builders have inspired a grassroots movement which, in the past two weeks alone, has pledged a total of $146,000 toward the project. As for the size and scope of the facility that is eventually erected in Williston, Ramage-Geltel said Tuesday "our fundraising goal is wholly dependent on what we can get from the community and how many dollars we can raise."

"We have plans drawn up for a 4 million dollar pool, and we have plans drawn up for a 5.2 million dollar pool. We could also draw up plans for whatever dollar amount we are able to raise. It's up to you, Williston!"

In her remarks Tuesday, Ramage-Geltel also acknowledged that Pool Action Committee members recognize the expense involved in operating a pool and, thus, have included 3-5 years of operational expenses in their fundraising goal to ensure that the pool is financially equipped for operation in the future.

The Pool Action Committee hopes to solidify the site for the new pool next month.