The Friends of McKellar Park, Inc. (FOMP) have launched a capital campaign to raise funds for a planned bathhouse and shelter building at the McKellar Park Swim Pond, which enjoyed a successful soft opening this August.
The planned facility will include family restrooms with accessible changing areas, outdoor showers, office space, and storage, along with features to make the pond fully welcoming for all visitors.
The campaign goal is $250,000. This includes the new building and foundation, accessibility features like a paved ramp and path near the hillside, as well as landscaping, signage, and other needs.
More than $85,000 has already been raised for the project.
The swim pond’s first season showed just how much the community values this new gathering place.
A permanent bathhouse and shelter will build on that success and ensure the park continues to strengthen the community and draw people to Blanchardville.
To encourage community support, FOMP has created recognition levels for both individuals and families as well as local businesses and organizations.
Individual & Family Donors may give at the following levels:
Friend ($100) – website and social media recognition
Partner ($250) – above recognitions plus a FOMP keepsake
Champion ($500) – above recognitions plus donor listing on the park board
Trailblazer ($1,000) – above recognitions plus prominent recognition at the pond entrance, inclusion in the FOMP newsletter, and a 1-year Swim Pond Family Pass
Visionary ($5,000+) – above recognitions plus highlighted recognition at the pond entrance, inclusion in the FOMP newsletter, and a Lifetime Swim Pond Family Pass
Businesses & Organizations may give at the following levels:
Builder ($1,000) – website and social media recognition, recognition at the pond entrance, and inclusion in the FOMP newsletter
Leader ($2,500) – above recognitions plus enhanced recognition at the pond entrance
Pillar ($5,000) – website and social media recognition, logo recognition on promotional materials, premium recognition at the pond entrance, and inclusion in the FOMP newsletter
Cornerstone ($10,000+) – website and social media recognition, premier logo recognition on promotional materials, premier recognition at the pond entrance, and feature recognition in the FOMP newsletter
As part of Homecoming weekend, FOMP will host an Open House at the Swim Pond on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 1:30–5:00 p.m. following the parade and during the football game.
The pond is closed for swimming until next summer, but the open house is a great opportunity to explore the site and hear about what’s ahead.
That same day, FOMP is also hosting an Alumni Decades Bucket Challenge to support the bathhouse campaign.
Donation buckets for each graduating decade will be available at the Friends of McKellar Park table on Main Street during the vendor event and in the evening during the Homecoming street dance.
Alumni can drop contributions into their decade’s bucket, with all proceeds going toward the bathhouse project.
The winning decade will be announced at 9 p.m. during the street dance.
Donations can be made by individuals, families, businesses, or organizations, with recognition opportunities at all giving levels.
Contributions may be mailed to Friends of McKellar Park, Inc., PO Box 277, Blanchardville, WI 53516 or made securely online at givebutter.com/McKellarPondBathh ouse.
For more information about the project or to get involved, email FriendsOfMcKellarParkInc@gmail.com.
Friends of McKellar Park Launch Capital Campaign for New Bathhouse and Shelter
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