Save Summer for Our Children in Little Falls

By Rick Hartman,
Holy Family Parish Trustee

The Francis Skinner Municipal Swimming Pool in Little Falls, which has been relied upon for generations since it first opened in 1961, is in danger of not opening this summer. Herkimer Next, Inc., a benevolent organization in our county, has organized a campaign to raise desperately needed funds in order to keep it open. The City of Little Falls believes it will be in a better financial standing next year and plans to include funding in their budget. As it stands now, however, the pool might not be available this summer. And when a service is not offered for one year, there’s always a risk that the memory of its importance will fade.

The goal is to raise $130,000 by May 15th. They recently passed the halfway point. That’s great news, but there is still a long way to go!

As a representative of Holy Family Parish and a proud citizen of Little Falls, I am encouraging everyone to do what you can to support this campaign. A public pool provides a free, wholesome activity for the members of our community, especially for children and their families. Swimming is excellent exercise, and it brings relief during sweltering summer days. The pool also serves as a concrete example of what is good in a community. The service is an extension of caring for your fellow man and looking out for our area’s children. It fosters a sense of belonging and fellowship, and it provides a shared experience that seems simple but plays a profound role in someone’s life. And when we enjoy each other’s company and our hearts are light with laughter– God is certainly there.

Please help this campaign by scanning the QR Code or clicking the link to give an online donation: Click to donate. If that is not possible, you may write a check to Herkimer Next, Inc. with “LF Pool” in the memo line, and mail it to 34 Central Plaza, Ilion, NY 13357. Greater detail about the need for this campaign is explained in a letter by Michele Hummel, executive director of Herkimer Next, which you can access by clicking the following link: Donation Letter.

Let’s all work together to support a key part of our Little Falls community! It’s another way to show how blessed we are to live where we live and to have each other, especially in times of need. We of course would welcome donations from outside of Little Falls, as well. We know that many understand the great benefits of a public pool, and our city needs your help.

For more information about this community initiative, please visit the Little Falls Alumni Network.