Pool group engages community more ahead of vote

Election Day continues to draw near and the Dive Into Project Pool 2027 committee has ramped up engagement with the community in recent days advocating for a “yes” vote Nov. 4 on a bond referendum for the pool not to exceed $1 million.

The group was meeting last week to stuff envelopes for a mass mailing to Greenfield residents slated for this week providing information about the proposed new pool that would replace the town’s current existing aging and deteriorating early 1940s pool.

Along with city staff, the group facilitated tours of the pool homecoming weekend, offered literature on the pool and upcoming bond referendum vote during the town’s pancake supper that week and was in attendance at a football game offering information and answering questions the public had.

The group appeared at Adair County Fall Fest, the Greenfield Chamber Main Street networking luncheon and at several other community organizations and boards’ meetings. They have also had a presence at recent farmer’s markets.

They’re also getting the word out through local radio and newspaper coverage, such as periodic announcements on KSIB through Kendalyn Huff’s Greenfield and Adair County News as well as their Grapevine program.

“A lot of interest, a lot of support. Temperment or feedback we’ve been getting is very positive,” committee member Renee Schwartz said of these opportunities. “At Greenfield Business Women, there were two former city council members who spoke in favor and were encouraging others to vote yes and speaking about the importance of the pool. At the networking lunch, the response from the audience showed the things we’ve been talking about for the last three years in these meetings.”

There are yard signs available for those wishing to show support for the pool vote.

The group also plans to be at Spook the Loop on Halloween to hand out candy and a coloring page of Greenfield’s pool to families in attendance.

They have also created a website, www.greenfieldpool.com, which is designed to act as a one-stop resource for those wanting to learn about the proposed pool project.

The group says after a positive vote, already-started fundraising and the need for tax deductible donations will increase even more. Greater Greenfield Community Foundation is the vehicle through which donations may be given to the pool project.

“On the website, we have a place where people can donate, and it goes directly to the Greater Greenfield page where you can donate,” committee member Heather Shaull said. “They can go either way, to the pool site or directly to Greater Greenfield. Either way, it will go right to where it is supposed to go.”