Summer pool pass scholarship helps kids beat the heat

Pipestone Area Community Foundation

Nothing compares to a day at the pool during southwest Minnesota’s hot summer months. The Pipestone Area Community Foundation helped more kids get in the water last summer with a grant supporting a unique program: The City of Pipestone Ewert Recreation Department provides assistances for qualifying families to purchase swimming lessons and aquatic passes for their children. Social workers at Pipestone Area Schools refer families who wouldn’t be able to afford a full family pool membership. In 2024, the program supported 46 students.

“We are extremely grateful for being able to continue this opportunity for families. It has helped many families enjoy a facility that can play a big part in a person’s summer experience,” said Robert Petersen, Pipestone’s recreation director.

The Pipestone Area Community Foundation (PACF) has proudly supported the initiative for many years, as it closely aligns with the foundation’s mission as a resource to build the community.

“We believe in the importance of offering swimming lessons to children who might not otherwise have access to them. Our support for this funding is rooted in two key areas,” said PACF Treasurer Rob Woodbury. “First, swimming is a wonderful summertime activity. Pipestone has a fantastic aquatic center; it provides a fun and healthy way for local youth to cool off and enjoy time with friends and family. Second, swimming is a lifelong skill that offers both recreational enjoyment and potentially life-saving benefits.”

According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, there was an average of 45 non-boating drownings annually in our state alone between 2020 and 2024. Rob said if the community’s efforts help prevent even one tragedy, it’s money well spent.

The Pipestone Area Community foundation is comprised of individuals who are passionate about creating a healthy, thriving community that residents are proud to call home. PACF acts as a connector, offering guidance, support, or fundraising resources to help bring local ideas, projects, and events to life.

PACF is part of our network of 31 community foundations. A team of local advisory board members guides each community foundation by fundraising, recommending grants, telling stories of good work happening locally and promoting their town.

Over the years, PACF has supported major projects including the revitalization of Harmon Park, the construction of the Hiawatha Lodge for community and private events, and a new concession stand at the Pipestone A’s baseball complex. Most recently, the foundation raised funds to build the Schroeder Center, which now houses the Pipestone Senior Center and Pipestone County Area Food Shelf.

“While we are proud of these large-scale achievements, we are equally committed to smaller initiatives, such as the aquatic scholarship fund. Whether the need is large or small, we welcome individuals from our service area to reach out and explore how we might help bring their vision to life!” Rob said.