Deadline close on Schellin match funding for Chinook pool and park project

Representatives of Friends of the Pool and Park Foundation said in a press release they want to give an update on a funding opportunity to help rehabilitate the Chinook pool and Sweet Park.

“As you may know, the wonderful Schellin Family pledged $100,000 towards the Chinook Pool and Park Project,” the release said. “… As of today, we are currently at $30,122.16 donated towards the match and we would like to encourage folks from near and far to help match their amazing donation.”

The Chinook Pool was built in 1976 and is now 48 years old. In that time, foundation members said, the pool has seen significant deterioration, and it has been experiencing issues that will lead to larger, more expensive problems in the future if repairs are not made soon.

The plans also are to repair and upgrade Sweet Park next to the pool. When it rains heavily, the park often floods due to drainage issues, the foundation members said.

Karen Schellin said her family is thrilled with what has come in and hopes more is on the way.

“Hey Chinook pool supporters! The Schellin family is humbled by the generous donations which have come in for the pool rehab since we offered our match,” she said in a statement provided by the foundation. “ … At the time we announced the match, we recognized that the Pool Foundation needed some confidence about available funding early in the year. Such confidence will allow them to proceed with final engineering and contract preparation necessary to begin construction. That is why we set a March 31st deadline when we announced the match.

“While we are thrilled with the donations to date, we are wondering if some potential donors are still holding back,” Schellin added. “We would still love to see everyone come forward to maximize our match of $100,000 by the end of this month.

“Do you have children or grandchildren growing up in Chinook,” she asked. “Did you or do you bring your children home to Chinook to visit Grandpa and Grandma? Are you moved to ‘give back’ to the place that shaped you?”

Schellin said the foundation members have shown a tireless commitment to the project by personally organizing and working the fundraisers over and above their work on the foundation itself. And local citizens have shown their support by overwhelmingly approving the bond measure to help fund the project.

The foundation release said donations can be made on the foundation’s website at https://www.chinookfriends.org/donations and people can donate several different ways. The site has links to GoFundMe, they can also pay with a credit card through Paypal, they can drop off their donation at First Bank of Montana in Chinook or donations can be mailed to Friends of the Pool and Park Foundation, PO Box 785, Chinook, MT 59523.

“We truly appreciate the consideration of the Chinook Pool project and we look forward to meeting the $100,000 match goal,” the release said. “Thank you again to the Schellin families for your wonderful contribution towards this important project for the community of Chinook.”