Water project moves forward

Fundraising reaches $128,000 in first two months

The site is chosen, the design is set, and now the effort to build a water recreation facility in Clarendon has entered its most critical phase and is meeting with success.

Active fundraising for the $2 million project began at the end of September, and as of Tuesday morning, $128,000 has been raised to meet the $500,000 challenge that anonymous benefactor put up in July of last year. That figure is encouraging to committee members as a general push for donations gets underway.

Clarendon Mayor and Water Recreation Steering Committee Chairman Sandy Skelton says the facility will be a tremendous asset to the community.

“The City of Clarendon has a unique opportunity to enhance the quality of life for all citizens by developing a nice aquatic center close to the downtown area,” Skelton said. “Members of the Steering/Fund Raising Committee are confident we can meet the benefactor’s challenge of raising $500,000. Citizens will be given an opportunity to donate over the next several months in order to help meet that challenge. Clarendon has never had a swimming pool and it is now time to make it happen.”

The large majority of funds committed so far are from private businesses and individuals with the exception of $5,000 from Donley County and $25,000 approved by the Clarendon Economic Development Corp. this week.

The city-appointed steering committee spent several months evaluating two different locations for the project before voting in April to select property already owned by the city on the southeast corner of Fourth and Kearney Streets, east of the Post Office.

Over the next few months, a design was created by working with Waters Edge, the same design firm that worked on the Wellington Aquatic Venue. The final design includes 4,345 square feet of water surface area and features intended to provide something for citizens of all ages.

The plan includes four lap lanes, a diving area, a climbing wall, a shallow play area, a slide, and amenities for playing volleyball and basketball in the water. Water sprays and floatable play devices will add to the excitement for children.

The water will be accessible for those with disabilities, and the site plans also include sunshades, tables, and a combination bathhouse, filter building, and concession building. The facility will be fenced and lighted as well.

The fundraising committee is now meeting with potential donors with the goal of meeting the benefactor’s $500,000 challenge by May and then use the combined $1 million to apply for matching funds from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

Groups that are interested in seeing a presentation about the project are asked to call City Administrator David Dockery at City Hall at 806-874-3438.

Those interested in making a donation to the project can contact Dockery or Skelton or send contributions directly to the Donley County Community Fund, PO Box 906, Clarendon, Texas 79226, and please note “Water Recreation Project” in the memo.

The Donley County Community Fund is a component fund of the Amarillo Area Foundation, which makes donations tax deductible under 501(c)3 rules. Money donated for this purpose will be dedicated for a water recreation project in Clarendon.