50 years, 50 stories: Ypsilanti's Rutherford Pool

Supporting Health Care in Ypsilanti

Since 1971, Ypsilanti’s Rutherford Pool has provided a community gathering spot for people of all ages and backgrounds. In recent years, a variety of water programs - morning swim lessons for youth, splash fun for toddlers and parents, and exercise classes for seniors - drew some 17,000 visits each summer. And on hot summer afternoons, general swim has provided a form of "affordable day care" for many families. 

Built in 1971, the pool was designed to last 25 years. A patchwork of repairs over the years managed to stretch the facility’s life span to 41, before it had to close for the 2012 summer season for safety reasons. Since 2011, the Friends of Rutherford Pool have successfully raised $1,050,000 from a wide group of community members, area foundations, and public grants to design and build a new state-of-the-art facility. 

Over the years, the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation and its geographic affiliate, the Ypsilanti Area Community Fund (YACF), have awarded $80,000 for Rutherford Pool: $25,000 for operating support, $5,000 for need-based scholarships, and $50,000 to help build the new pool. In 2011, two funds were established at YACF. A special project fund received private donations to finance the pool’s construction. And 10% of all gifts were earmarked for a permanent endowment that will support the pool’s maintenance and upkeep. Thanks to generous community support, a brand new Rutherford Pool is scheduled to open May 23^rd, just in time for the 2014 summer season.

One of the many ways the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation supports all that is good in our community.

Read more "good" stories at: aaacf.org/stories