April 19, 2024

MPAC’s ‘final push’

As a Dekko matching grant deadline approaches, MPAC makes a final push for contributions

By VICTORIA PALMA
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Sam Baird, right, accepts a check on behalf of the McKinley Park Aquatic Center (MPAC) for $5,000 from Mark Schildberg and the E.F. & Sylvia Schildberg Foundation Wednesday. The E.F. & Sylvia Schildberg Foundation was created in 1987 as an ongoing expression of appreciation to the people of the area. The purpose of the Foundation is to give financial assistance to causes that better the human condition and encourage community betterment. (Contributed photo)

The McKinley Park Aquatic Center (MPAC) is nearing its June 7 deadline for a matching gift from the Dekko Foundation.

It has been one year since the MPAC committee released a design of its hopes of a new aquatic center. In that time, the committee, which has been together for two years, has made fundraising progress towards fulfilling its $5.4 million goal for the project.

Through fundraising events such as mud volleyball, dueling pianos and a hypnotist event, the committee has fundraised approximately $300,000.

Samantha Baird, co-founder and volunteer on the MPAC committee, said Dekko will match dollar for dollar, up to $500,000, for contributions and pledges made by June 7. Pledging a donation offers donors the flexibility of paying within three to five years.

“During this period of match, every contribution that someone makes counts,” said Baird.

The pledge

In December, the MPAC committee received a $1,500,000 pledge from The Dekko Foundation to help achieve its fundraising goals.

To be awarded the pledge grant, the MPAC committee was challenged to raise up to $500,000 by June 7 to recieve its first $500,000 from Dekko. To receive the remaining $1,000,000, MPAC must raise the remainder of the project funds. Once that has been raised, Dekko will provide the remaining portion of its pledge.

What is included in the project

The facility will also include diving platforms, an inclusive play area, a climbing wall, a “lazy river,” zero-depth entry, toddler swim areas, family restrooms, green space, lounge areas, renovations of the existing pool and repairs to the water heating system.

The project also includes $1,000,000 for the funding of an endowment which will be used to supplement future operational costs, upgrades and renovations.

“We want to swim in Creston by 2021,” said Sam Baird, MPAC co-founder.

‘Final push’

Baird said the committee’s final push for the remaining funds needed will be obtained through conversations with local businesses.

MPAC recently received a $5,000 donation from the E.F. and Sylvia Schildberg Foundation, which was presented to the committee by Mark Schildberg.

“It was the hope of both E.F and Sylvia that in helping others, the ultimate reward would be for that same dedication to be passed on to future generations,” said trustees of the E.F and Sylvia Schildberg Foundation in a written statement.

For more information about MPAC and where to direct contributions, contact Baird at 641-782-5585, ssbaird@sbairdlaw.com or visit the MPAC website www.thempac.org.