LET'S SWIM AGAIN!

The City of Peru Municipal Pool built in 1928 has served the community for 80 years and many citizens have fond memories of their time at the Peru Pool.  However, in 2010 the swimming pool was not opened in err of safety due to the poor condition of the pool vessel and bathhouse.  The pool has reached the stage where band-aids will NO LONGER do. The existing condition report done by Williams Aquatics shows the following:

• ·        Tremendous Water Loss through Pool Vessel
• ·        Severe Cracking and Spalling of Pool Vessel
• ·        Non-compliant with ADA, VGB Pool & Spa Safety Act, and Current Building Codes

As you can imagine, building an entirely new pool is an exciting prospect but it is also a very expensive undertaking.  The original estimate for a new pool and bathhouse came in at $3.5 million dollars.  The City of Peru did apply for a grant in the amount of $2.5 to offset some of the costs but would still be responsible for the rest of the amount. 

This is an awful lot of money. But we are confident that with the support of City of Peru RESIDENTS, PAST & PRESENT, we will be able to raise those funds.  This is the first fundraising drive for a major new capital project. Our confidence comes from the fact that many people recognize the vital importance of the swimming pool to the life of the community.

Many people have wonderful memories of summer days by the swimming pool. From the day it opened, the pool has been THE PLACE for kids, teens and adults to go during the summer months for a cooling swim on a hot afternoon or evening.  Hundreds of people from the community have taken advantage of the swimming lessons offered every summer at the pool to learn how to swim and enjoy being in the water.  It is a source of several summer jobs for students every year.

Even those who have never dipped a toe in the pool benefit from it as it is a vital community asset that makes Peru a PREFERRED COMMUNITY in which to live, and therefore increases the value of all properties. Listing a swimming pool as one of Peru’s major recreation facilities says this is a progressive town and one that makes it a great home for today’s residents and for future home buyers.

The new pool is going to be FULLY ACCESSIBLE FOR THE DISABLED, AND ENERGY EFFICIENT.

FUNDRAISING

A major component of our fundraising will be the financial support we receive from individuals- Peru residents, past and present, and even the future.  We are looking to you to support this valuable facility through donations both small and large.

There will be many different fundraising activities that people can participate in during the following months.  They will be listed on this site and updated as they become available. Like drops of water filling a pool, EACH AND EVERY CONTRIBUTION will move our campaign towards the start of construction of the new pool.

The question is not IF we are going to build the swimming pool it is WHEN we are going to build the swimming pool. THE TIME TO BUILD STARTS NOW!!!!!

If you have questions about donating or would like to volunteer your time and service to the fundraising committee, please contact the following:

Heidi Heuser, Co-chairman, at 815-223-1148 or by email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or send your designated donation or pledge to:

Peru Municipal Pool Fund
City Clerk’s Office
1901 Fourth Street
Peru, IL 61354

All donations are tax deducible. A letter of receipt will be mailed to the donor.  All known donors, unless otherwise requested will be recognized.