Donor to fund work at city pool

What first struck the city of Amherst as a prank phone call has turned into a donation worth $50,000 to be used for the improvement of Maude Neiding Memorial Park’s Anna Schmauch Memorial Pool.

Mayor Mark Costilow said during a March 2 City Council Finance Committee meeting that the city is working with an anonymous donor on a project that would bring a pavilion and additional seating to the pool.

Administrative assistant Jami Anderson has worked with the executor, who currently is out of state and came upon the funds in the acquiring of an estate, Costilow said.

“Good things like that happen once in a while,” he said.

With the pool having already undergone necessary repairs funded through the park trust fund, Costilow said the donor wished that additional amenities were added to the pool instead of contributing to its maintenance.

“They wanted something that would improve the lives of those visiting the park, and they came up with the pavilion over the concession area, a place for seniors and people to get out of the sun as they watch their kids swim,” he said.

With the $50,000 donation already in the city treasurer’s account, Costilow said the project would not exceed the donation amount.

In the case that it would exceed, additional funds for the project would come back to Council for approval, he said.

The city’s building department already has a design prepared and quotes have been taken for the project.

Plans and proposals also will need to be submitted.

An ordinance to accept the bequest and use the funds for the pool was brought to the committee, which approved it for further review.