The following press release was sent by the City of Piedmont on Monday, June 5:
The City of Piedmont and the Piedmont Recreational Facilities Organization (PRFO) are thrilled to announce that the PRFO capital campaign in support of the new community pool has reached its fundraising target of $2.1 million. This funding allows the City to complete the new community pool as designed, an accomplishment made possible through the generous contributions of more than 200 individual donors. PRFO reported on the success of the capital campaign and present their donation at the June 5, 2023 City Council meeting.
Unprecedented support from individuals and community organizations
The City and PRFO extend their sincere gratitude to everyone who supported this effort. Each contribution helps build a healthy and active future for Piedmont, from contributions as small as $25 to the tremendous generosity of our Gold, Champion, and Hall of Fame level donors. The campaign also garnered widespread support from community groups including the Piedmont High School Athletic Boosters, Piedmont Swim Team, Piedmont Soccer Club, Piedmont Beautification Foundation, Piedmont Council BSA, and Piedmont Education Foundation.
“The support we saw from community groups was just amazing,” said Eric Havian, PRFO Fundraising Committee lead. “The broad and generous contributions from non-sports groups was unprecedented. It reflects the large slice of the community who will enjoy this remarkable facility.”
PRFO initiated the capital campaign in partnership with the City in August 2022 to bridge a funding gap created by a sharp rise in construction costs since the 2020 passage of Measure UU, which authorized the sale of $19.5 million in general obligation bonds to fund a new community pool. This effort builds on the success of previous PRFO fundraising in support of Hampton Park and the Corey Reich Tennis Center.
Lead donor Steve Ellis said, “Piedmont is a community. Thriving communities need places to convene, to learn, to compete, to connect, to celebrate. That’s what this project is all about.”
“I’m proud to be a part of the aquatic center located in the center of Piedmont. This will serve as an anchor for the community for years to come,” said donor B. Reid Settlemier. “I appreciate the overwhelming community support and hope that we can carry this momentum to help facilitate future community projects.”
New pool to create activity and gathering space for all ages
Construction of the long-awaited new community pool began in January 2023 and is expected to be complete during summer 2024. The facility will include a 27-meter competition pool with a diving well, a 3,177 square foot activity pool with three 25-yard lap lanes, and a single-story building featuring locker rooms, an indoor multi-purpose room, two gender neutral changing rooms, and a rooftop pavilion.
“The success of this campaign is a testament to the extraordinary spirit of our community,” said Piedmont Mayor Jen Cavenaugh. “It’s inspiring to see so many residents come together to help us build an athletic facility and gathering place that will be accessible to community members of all ages and abilities. It will contribute to the health of all participants and provide a source of joy and connection for generations to come.” Cavenaugh continued, “This beautiful facility will exemplify our commitment to environmental stewardship as it will be one of the first all-electric municipal pools in California. On behalf of the entire City Council, I want to express our heartfelt appreciation to each and every community member who contributed to this effort.”
For more information on the new pool, visit piedmont.ca.gov/newpool. For information on the PRFO capital campaign, visit prfo.org/piedmont-community-pool.
About PRFO
Founded in 2004, Piedmont Recreational Facilities Organization (PRFO) is a 501(c)3 entity that encourages and actively supports the development and/or improvement of public recreational facilities that serve residents of Piedmont without regard to age, race, creed, gender, sexual orientation, or ability. PRFO strives to fulfill its mission by working collaboratively with the City of Piedmont to identify, advocate for, and bring private financial support to assist in the funding of projects that invest in healthy spaces within the city.