Helper City recently announced that due to the COVID 19 pandemic they would not open the city’s swimming pool this summer. The pandemic put a strain on the city’s budget so that is why they made the tough decision to not open for the summer. However, a group of residents have banned together and established a plan to be able to open the pool for part of the summer.

“Well the challenge always as an elected official is your responsible for your budget and essential services within Helper City. In a tough economic year you’re always going to look at where there can be some sufficiency’s created and in a year where there is COVID in addition to addressing insufficiency’s you really have to look at what are the essentials, and the challenge, I mean it really was a hard-fought discussion, decision, for them to have to say, we’re not going to open this year,” said Resident, Pam Juliano. At the time of the decision, there were social distancing restrictions that were set in place for residents to follow, and since that time, most of the state has been moved into yellow status.

A group of residents have come together to develop a solution and are currently looking for donors to contribute to the expense of opening the pool. “First of all, on the financial side can not be done without donors and Mayor Peterman was gracious enough to take some time out of her hectic schedule to put together a letter. We will be using that to solicit donations from local businesses. Our goal is $50,000.00 to make sure that the pool stays open through Labor Day and that will cover, the bulk of it will go towards the salaries for the lifeguards and the maintenance of the pool,” stated Juliano. Not only will the group of residents solicit businesses but they are also going to host a community barbeque event.

“The other thing that we are doing is on July 1 is our opening day, we’re going to host a kick-off or grand opening. Happiness Within, R&A Market, Balance Rock Eatery owner, Cindy and Clay are coming together to put together a barbeque where all the proceeds will be donated to the pool,” said Juliano. The fundraising event will feature cheeseburgers, hot dogs, Italian sausage sandwich, chips and drinks. Residents can make donations towards the cause by purchasing food items, season passes, or by making a monetary contribution. Plus, there will be an opportunity drawing held during the event for guests to enjoy.

For further information or to make a donation towards the Helper City Pool please contact Amanda Wheeler at (435) 609-9241 or Michelle Goldsmith at (435) 650-3290.