Lake Park Aquatic Center benefits from grant
COSHOCTON – The Lake Park Aquatic Center has been notified of a grant from the Joseph W., Fred E. and Helen LeRetilley Fund of the Coshocton Foundation.
The grant, which totals $58,897, was approved by the Coshocton Foundation Trustees and Distribution Committee to address health and safety concerns in a number of areas within the aquatic center.
“For the past several years, we have not been able to address these problems due to a lack of funds,” said Lori Everhart, director of the Park District.
She cited a non-functioning sewage pump, sharp edges on the tube slide and other items that are beyond repair, such as the chlorine tank and two cracked and leaking toilets.
The grant will address these issues as well as painting the pool and replacing chairs and umbrellas.
The grant will cover only the immediate capital needs of the AquaticCenter and will not be applied to operational expenses. The decision-makers felt strongly that the pool needs to open this season without safety concerns. A levy for park operations is on the May ballot and if passed, will provide funds for general park maintenance and operations.
The Johnston Fund, as it is known, was created following the 2011 death of Fred Johnston, a long-time Coshocton automobile dealer and philanthropist, through a bequest which constitutes the largest single gift in the history of the Coshocton Foundation, according to Kathy Thompson, executive director.
“Fred Johnston was truly a friend to our community for many years,” Thompson said. “And even after death, his generosity continues to help Coshocton County through his fund at the foundation. We are very grateful to him.”
Category: People & Places
