Save the Pool!

---

The "Save the Pool!" campaign is a community-led initiative with the goal of reopening the Princeville Aquatic Center, which has been closed since the end of the 2022 pool season. After the season concluded, the Village of Princeville deliberated on the future of the pool, ultimately deciding in March 2023 to permanently close the facility, citing financial concerns. The Village determined that it was not fiscally responsible to keep the pool open due to the significant costs associated with its upkeep and repair.

Following the closure decision, demolition efforts began. Essential pool equipment, including pumps, water lines, and electrical systems, were removed, and the locker rooms were stripped of plumbing, stalls, and showers. However, before the demolition could be fully carried out, a group of concerned community members stepped in to halt the process. Recognizing the pool’s importance to the town, these individuals formed a non-profit organization known as the Princeville Aquatic Center (PAC) to focus on saving the pool and restoring it for community use. 

The campaign is now working to reverse the damage done and prepare the facility for major repairs. With much of the pool infrastructure already stripped away, a significant amount of work is needed to restore the pool to a usable condition. Contractors have visited the site to assess the damage and provide quotes for the necessary repairs. The scope of the work includes reinstalling pool pumps, restoring electrical and water lines, and rebuilding the locker rooms. This effort will require substantial funding and community support. 

The PAC now officially owns the aquatic center, taking over from the Village of Princeville. This group is comprised of local residents who are passionate about saving the pool and preserving it for future generations. They have already made significant strides, but much work remains to reach their ultimate goal of reopening by the summer of 2025. 

The immediate goal is to complete all necessary repairs in time for the 2025 pool season, ensuring that the Princeville Aquatic Center can once again serve as a recreational hub for both kids and adults during the hot summer months. The PAC is actively working with contractors to create a renovation plan, but the success of this timeline depends on the ability to raise the needed funds to cover repair costs. 

Community members and supporters can help the campaign by donating through the GoFundMe page or by making contributions at either Princeville Community Bank or Princeville State Bank. Additional details about the official fundraising campaign will be available soon. Every donation, no matter the size, brings the pool one step closer to reopening. Beyond financial contributions, volunteers and advocates are also needed to spread the word and assist in various ways throughout the project. 

Click here to donate on GoFundMe.

The Princeville Aquatic Center has been a staple of summer life in the community for decades. In a small town like Princeville, having a local pool is not just a luxury—it’s a rare and valuable resource. The pool provides a safe, fun environment for children, families, and residents of all ages to enjoy during the summer months. Many neighboring communities don’t have public pools, making the Princeville Aquatic Center even more important as a gathering spot for the town. Reopening the pool will ensure that future generations have access to this treasured facility. 

While the road to reopening has been challenging, the campaign has already achieved several key milestones. Ownership of the pool has successfully transferred from the Village to the PAC, and initial assessments from contractors have been completed. The community is rallying around the cause, but now the focus turns to raising the funds needed to begin repairs. Every dollar raised will go directly toward restoring this vital community asset.

With continued support and commitment, the "Save the Pool!" campaign is optimistic about reaching its goal of reopening the Princeville Aquatic Center by the 2025 season, bringing this beloved resource back to life for the community.