HLFF Provides Swimming Pool Update

The Hi-Line Future Foundation Organization (HLFF) is working toward their goal of getting the Malta swimming pool up and running, and have taken on the project in several phases.

The phase 1 will be using current funds to get things done by the regular opening date. These funds are the result of a pool party campaign, the toilet fundraiser funds. Hats off to Kayla Warren for toting the Scottie Potty all around town, placing it and retrieving it. It was kind of a crappy job...but somebody had to do it. Kudos, Kayla. The toted potty raised $1,225 up to this point, it was put on hold due to an ever-so-small infraction of the toilet freezing and breaking. With a quick donation of a new stool (outdoor office) the project was back in business, and will be put back on lawns as soon as weather is permissible.

The group is currently bidding out phase 1 to local contacts to fix the coping and Sunset Pools is lined out to do the pump.

Phase 2 officially kicked off with the selling of bricks. Bricks which measure 4 inches by 8 inches are now available to purchase, the price is $100. There are three lines of engraving available and they can be purchased until March 31, 2025.

Donations can be made through their website http://www.hilinefuturefoundation.org or contacting any members of the group. They are applying for various grants, as well. The goal is $600,000 through the various sources of funding.

At the November 12th meeting of the City Council Mayor John Demarais signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the HLFF, and with this understanding in place the City will be able to apply for grants on behalf of the group which are only available to cities and municipalities. Council member Laura Pankratz is working with the group as a liaison.

Macie Hould, treasurer of the HLFF, shared, "Our goal for phase 2 is $600,000 and the city will put bids out for contractors for phase 2 once we have all the funds raised. We are hoping for spring of 2026 for the starting of phase 2, but it all depends of how quickly we can raise the $600,000."

The placement of the bricks that are sold is still to be determined. Hould said, "One option is to place them along the sidewalk and another option that has been discussed is placing them on the north side of the pool, in the area that they have been trying to get grass to grow...that won't because it doesn't get enough sunshine."

Members of the HLFF would welcome any question regarding the pool and the phases, as well as updates on the work in progress. Kayla Warren serves as president; Tessa Handley, vice-president; Mandi Webb, secretary; and Macie Hould is treasurer. Also working on the foundations efforts are Nellie Ereaux, Megan Newman, Ashley Stuart, and Yavon Pekovitch.

At the meeting on the 12th the foundation shared that they will be placing a brick in memory of Madelyn Anderson, who had suggested memorials at the time of her passing be sent to the HLFF. The first sale was also made at that meeting.

The bricks can be for a memorial of a loved one, one for an individual or family, and they can be specialized. What better way to remember a veteran? Or a wedding or anniversary? They are a great way to share births or a list of kids, grandkids, or great-grandkids. Another idea is to remember classmates who have passed. The options are unlimited.

Call and place your order asap – the shipping is free if the bricks are ordered in bulk. To date, there are 11 sold. You have the opportunity to help keep the pool open with your support. Your support will be appreciated by not only the kids and adults of today, but in the future as well, because someone cared.

This worthwhile project is a work in progress...help boost and speed up the progress!