Jewell swimming pool project receives $675,000 CAT grant

South Hamilton Area Pool & Exercise project to move forward

After nearly 4 years of fundraising by the people of Jewell and surrounding communities, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) notified the city of Jewell Friday that they were approved for a $675,000 Community Attraction & Tourism (CAT) grant.

"It started with a group of 4 or 5 people," said Rick Young, "I was a naysayer in the beginning, wondering 'how are we going to raise 2.6 million dollars for this.'"

But because of a strong core of people who persisted, including his wife, he changed his mind.

"It's like the story of Stone Soup, it started with nothing and yet people kept adding to it, and now four years later, it's done," he reflected. He repeats the Margaret Mead quote, as it applies to this project. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has."

And so the community of Jewell has just proved this to be so. It started small, and because of the determination of a few, they have met their goal.

"Over the years there have been hundreds of people who have helped," Young said. "It was common that we would have an event and 200 or 300 people would show up. And every time someone would bring homemade cookies, or music or something to contribute."

"We got just short of the two million dollar mark about a month ago," he said.

Young said by the time he got involved there were about a dozen people working towards this goal. The initial group that started the process included Dede Henderson, Kris and Larry Koehnk, Christie Williams, Cole Feaker, Susie Olson, Chris Gunderson, and his wife, Janet Young among others.

"Dede Henderson was one of the ones from the beginning who never gave up," said Young

"Besides the jobs created or retained, the cultural impact in this 25 mile circle is so wonderful for all the people in the area," Young said.

Young said he and his wife both use the Jewell pool, and have observed the many people who use it.

"The things that I noticed, there are multiple cultures of children that don't care about anything about their differences, they are just friends," he said, "And within 25 miles there are 100,000 patrons that could enjoy that pool. That's a huge number served."

"The current pool has served Jewell over the past 60 years. Think about how many people will get a chance to use this pool," he said.

The grant was given to the City of Jewell on behalf of the South Hamilton Area Pool & Exercise (SHAPE) project.

The 55 page application was submitted to the CAT Grant review committee on September 3rd. On Friday the review committee unanimously approved the application and forwarded it to the entire IEDA Board, which also unanimously approved it.

The announcement culminates a $2.6 million fundraising effort that will provide current and future children of all ages many years of exercise and water safety education.

The 55 page application was prepared by several local supporters and the assistance of Jewell City Clerk Regina Beaune, Darcy Swon Enhance Hamilton County Foundation, Ottie Maxey and Brenda Dryer with the Ames Regional Economic Alliance and Burbach Aquatics.

Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance (Alliance) provided input on behalf of the entire Alliance organization. Alaina Santizo with IEDA was a key liaison with the project, and offered timely advice and assistance.

Every community and many businesses surrounding Jewell provided letters of support.

The CAT grant is the largest ever received by any Hamilton County entity.

"All the stars in the sky aligned just right," concluded Young. " I don't know if we could ever do it again."

Boxed quote

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has."

by Margaret Mead