On the first day of summer, Superior's Pool in the Park committee received a nice splash from the Montana Department of Commerce. 

They are one of eight Montana towns, cities and counties who will share more than $317,000 of grant funding to help plan significant community development projects. The funding is through Commerce’s Community Development Block Grant Planning Grant program. The Town of Superior will receive $39,500 of CDBG planning grant funding for a preliminary architectural report for the Town of Superior’s swimming pool.

Brogan Keenen, vice president of Pool in the Park which is a nonprofit 501C (3), explained that this is a big step. 

“Right now, we’re talking with architects, reviewing everything and hopefully we are going to pick one soon.” 

This is what the grant is earmarked for. 

“That way we can hire the architect to draw up all of the plans. And once we have this handled, we can apply for some more grants. When grantors see what we’ve done so far, they are more likely to help us out. This is super exciting!” 

Keenen said that of the money raised so far, much is invested drawing interest. 

“We’re also raffling off a rifle that will be announced at the closing of the Mineral County Fair, Sunday, Aug. 3. It was donated by a local resident and the tickets are $5 each or five tickets for $20. This is all profit and is getting a lot of attention,” she said with a smile. 

The rifle is a Savage Winchester Ladies .308. Raffle tickets are available at the $50,000 Bar in Haugan. Pool in the Park will also have a booth at the Mineral County Fair selling tickets right up to the time of the drawing. 

“So, we’re doing lots of little things like this that are helping with the fundraising and we’re receiving donations. I’m not sure what the total amount is but I bet we’ll be updating the thermometer in Superior at the end of summer.” 

The fundraising thermometer Keenen referred to is on the lawn of TrailWest Bank on River Street indicating the amount raised and how much is left to wrap up this part of the project.

“Through Commerce’s CDBG programs, we can help eligible counties, cities and towns prepare for vital community development projects,” said Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “This funding will help local governments advance projects that will provide services in our communities while creating and retaining jobs.”

Keenen spoke on some of the benefits of the pool will be to the county residents. 

“Once the pool is in operation, we’ll be able to offer water aerobics and therapy, swim lessons, the Rec Club can teach people how to paddleboard. The fire departments may want to train on water rescues. People will see that it’s a safe and fun place for families. I’m stumped right now because there are so many other possibilities we’ve talked about. But once we have it, more ideas and suggestions will come up. We are just so focused on raising money at this point,” she said.

The Pool in the Park Committee meets monthly but remains in constant contact via email, texting or phone conversations. For further information or to submit a donation, contact Cheryl Crabb, (406) 822-020, or Trish Donavan (406) 546-0369. For more information about CDBG planning grants, visit comdev.mt.gov.