T. Falls receives grant for pool

The City of Thompson Falls has received a grant to help upgrade the city pool. The $75,000 grant came from Montana State Parks, and the city will match the grant funds for a total project cost of $150,000.

Thompson Falls Mayor Jerry Lacy said upgrades will be made to the concrete deck around the pool, as well as to plumbing, showers, fencing, lifeguard chairs and other improvements. City Clerk Chelsea Peterson said the project will go out to bid soon, and the city hopes construction will start as soon as the weather allows. Lacy anticipates the work will be finished before the pool opens in June for the 2019 season.

Use of the city pool has increased in recent years. Pool manager Sandra Kazmierczak now has two sessions of water aerobics daily throughout the season, and Peterson noted that all swimming lesson sessions fill up quickly.

Lacy said that the improvements included in the project will provide added safety to the pool area. He noted that the showers at the city pool are original and this will be the first major upgrade to that plumbing.

Lacy commended Kazmierczak for her work to improve the pool, stating that each year, she and the lifeguards complete several projects, including painting and maintenance.

The city last year earned a Thumbs Up Award from the Thompson Falls Main Street Committee for its work on the park next to the pool. The park includes a playground and picnic area, and city officials said pool staff also help in maintaining the park area.