In 1977 through the efforts of Kay Vale, President of the Board of Education, and Superintendent Frank C. Maher the Economic Development Administration of the US Department of Commerce offered a grant of $2,360,740 to the Platte Canyon School District #1. An auditorium/theatre, cafeteria, gymnasium, classrooms, a swimming pool, a solar energy package were supported by the grant and was built by 19
78 for the community and school district. Hudak, an early pool manager, worked tirelessly to keep the pool open through trying times in the 1980’s. She was an active part of the community but died suddenly in 1987. The pool was named in honor of her memory in 1988. Other pool managers of the decade were Sharon Mack, Chris Wurster, Shelli Kelly, Jean Aspinall, and Jean Capra. The pool was closed in 1980-1981 and 1986-87 due to budgetary restraints. In 1981 the Friends of the Pool Inc 501(C)4 was formed for the first time. In 1981 the FOP raised $10,000 and the pool reopened and became a strong school program by 1988-89. With increased school physical education usage there were 16,000 recreational, fitness, lesson, training, and competitive swims during 1989. Park County assisted with funding in 1988 and 1989. Originally the solar package on the roof of the pool was installed improperly and the air handling system was of poor design which eventually led to an unsafe roofing condition in 1990. In 1990 the pool was closed for construction of a new roof and air handling system. It had a gala re-opening just in time for the 1990-91 girl’s swim team season. Carl Mascio donated the flag that currently hangs over the pool in 1991. Carolyn Barnett became pool manager and also served as vice-president of the Friends of the Pool. Through the years the Friends of the Pool Board included Julie Moore, J Glennie, Marge E Hudak, Chris Wurster, William P Simmons, Betty Simmons, Peggy Campbell, Jean Hall, Pam Murray, Mary Jo Maines, Jim Rice, and Jill Rice. Programs for all ages were created at the pool in the 1990’s. There were senior fitness classes, scuba diving, parent-toddler and pre-school classes, and many other programs for swimming. In 1992 the Platte Canyon Swim Club was formed to begin summer competitive swimming and continues to current day. By May, 1999, Carolyn Barnett retired as Pool Manager after 11 years of service. The pool budget had grown to $70,000 per year and an action committee was formed by school Superintendent Jim Walpole to help determine the future of the pool. During this time Friends of the Pool Inc dissolved. Michelle Badaracco became pool manager at a very difficult time. Then Jamie Badarocco and Reagan Gotlob made the Junior Olympic team and the Platte Canyon Educational Foundation began to assist the pool funding efforts. Major Conservation Trust Fund Grants were received. However, the school district was consistently putting in $30- 35,000 per year to make up the budget. Superintendent Jim Walpole informed the action committee that this could not continue. By 2002, Janet Barnett had become pool manager but the pool was facing closure. Michelle Badaracco, Phyllis Bieri, Stacey Young, Carolyn Tolpo, Vincent Tolpo, Beckie Anderson, Pat Delarm, Dean May, Karen May, and School Board members Terri Lineberry, Paula Anzell-Morris all worked hard to pass a referendum for pool funding in 2003. It failed. Meanwhile, Julie Youngblood became pool manager, and maintained a steady program fees income. But, it was not enough. In 2005 another pool referendum was put before the district voters. This time it was a vote to fund the pool or close the pool. The same 2003 group plus Nancy Burnett, Martin L. Smith, Angela Demanlow, Art Hudak, Scott Grove, numerous school student election aides, and School Board Members Mike Fraser, and Ed Montgomery worked on the campaign. Voters passed the referendum by a 60% majority. The 215,000 gallon, six lane, 25 yard pool with diving board was saved. The pool in 2011 had 15,000 swims/yr and is ready to face new challenges as Julie Youngblood resigns, a renewed Friends of the Pool Inc 501(C)3 is formed and a new era begins. In April of 2012, a new pool manager was hired. Zak Weitl, a former student and swimmer for Platte Canyon High School became the pool manager. He is a fully certified pool operator and water safety instructor. Working closely with the Friends of the Pool, Inc. and the Platte Swim Club, Zak is improving pool usage numbers and making improvements to the pool facility. A new monthly swim visit record was made in July of 2538 visits. In 2013 so far another conservation trust fund grant was received and the FOP has focused on direct solicitation headed by Lois and Jim Miller to raise funds for teaching young people to swim safety. There is also a general request to help fund kids fees in the Platte Swim Club another fine organization helping the pool
to flourish. During 2013 the Platte Swim Club joined the Friends of the Pool as a basic program. In 2014 planning will begin for renovation of the East wall of the pool building to provide natural light and energy conservation.
