11/12/2025
Herrin Pool Fundraiser FAQ
Weâve seen lots of great questions and want to be as transparent as possible! Here are a few quick answers:
Q: Why are we raising $80,000?
A: Phase One of fundraising is $80,000, this will cover urgent filter repairs (the sand beds are clogged and broken) that must be fixed for the pool to open for Summer 2026. Without it, the pool canât operate.
Q: Whatâs Phase Two?
A: Once the $80K is raised, weâll move into Phase Two, a $250,000 goal for fixes like bathhouse repairs and replacing leaky underground valves. This ensures the pool can remain open safely for years to come.
Q: Who handles the money?
A: All funds go directly to the Herrin Park District, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Because of this, the park district must collect and document all donations for legal and tax purposes. Our âFriends of Herrin Poolâ committee is simply helping spread the word and encourage donations. We do not handle or hold any funds ourselves.
Q: What happens if the $80K isnât raised by the deadline (Feb. 28, 2026)?
A: If we donât meet the goal in time, the pool will likely remain closed for the 2026 season. However, funds will still go toward repairs so we can keep working toward reopening the following summer.
Q: Why not ask the City or Park District to pay for it?
A: Every option through the Park District and city has already been explored. This community fundraiser is the last available path to get the pool open for summer and weâre confident our community can do it together!
Q: Is anyone looking into grants?
A: Yes! The Park District and has looked into grants and larger funding options. However, most grants take months (or longer) to apply for and receive, and theyâre also based on availability and specific qualifications, meaning not every project or timeline will qualify. The more support the community shows now, the stronger our applications become for larger grants in the future. Thatâs why the community fundraiser is so important right now. The faster we meet the $80K goal, the sooner we can reopen the pool and then focus on those long-term funding opportunities.
Q: Will larger foundations or donors (like Harrison Bruce) help?
A: A letter has been written by the Herrin Park District to the Harrison Bruce Foundation. They hope to hear back in March for Phase Two. Large foundations have multi-step application processes and fiscal year schedules that donât match our short Phase One timeline.
Q: Why are things moving so fast?
A: Because of the short turnaround to secure repairs before summer, weâre spreading the word quickly while working out additional details along the way. Transparency and communication will remain a top priority every step of the way!
