Mega Donation Makes Pool Possible

Not only did Jennifer Boardman's large donation to the Highlands County Family YMCA make the first big splash in their fundraising campaign, she plans to make the first real splash in the pool.
"I'm going to do the first cannonball," she joked.

Boardman, formerly Leidel, returned to her hometown of Sebring for the kickoff of the pool campaign -- a gala Friday and a groundbreaking ceremony Monday.

With Boardman's generous donation on behalf of her deceased husband, about half the $1.2 million fundraising goal has already been met.

"The YMCA has four core values of caring, responsibility, honesty and respect," said Mike Martino, executive director of the YMCA. "In my 15 years with the YMCA, I've never met anyone who displays these core values as well as Jennifer does."

Boardman said she thinks the Capt. Justin K. Ward Aquatic Center, which will feature a 10-lane lap pool, a warm-water exercise pool and a splash pad area, is a good way for her husband's name to live on.

"Justin's death was tragic and senseless," Boardman said. "But if it means a kid can learn to swim or a high school swimmer can train to become an Olympian or we can all train for triathlons, then maybe some good can come from it."

David Leidel, president of the YMCA Board of Directors, said Friday's gala generated more than $70,000 on the spot and many more pledges.

"We will now start following up with people and hopefully we will push our goal over the top," Leidel said.

The YMCA has community, membership and staff campaigns to meet the fundraising goal. The pool costs $584,884, decking and landscaping costs $167,932, expansion and renovation of the fitness center costs $298,000 and equipment and operations cost $149,184.

Dan Dorrell, member of YMCA Board of Directors, said plans for the pool have been in the works since the YMCA opened its doors 20 years ago.

"We've got a big vacant space for a pool," Dorrell said. "It completes the dream we always had in mind."

Megan Wolfe, a member of Sebring High School swim team, said she is looking forward to training year-round in the heated lap pool.

"This is going to be awesome because we will have a place to swim all year," Wolfe said.
Laura Griffin, a triathlete, is excited about having a place to train, and the opening will be the perfect time to start gearing up for the Heartland Triathlon.

"The high school pools are nice, but you can only use them a few months out of the year," Griffin said.
Immediately following the ceremonial groundbreaking, machinery started digging the hole that will become the main pool.

Kevin Bishop, of Brothers Pool Construction, said this is the largest project he has ever worked on, but he plans to have no problem staying on schedule to open by the end of the year.

"We may even beat the deadline," he said with confidence.

To make a donation to campaign, contact the YMCA at 382-9622.