Firefighters support Dakin Pool

BANGOR – Ron Green Jr., president of the Bangor Professional Fire Fighters IAFF Local 772, recently presented a check for $1,000 to organizers of Summer in the City: The Campaign for Dakin Pool, during a poolside ceremony.

“On behalf of the Bangor Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 772, we are delighted to support this campaign to benefit so many Bangor residents. This is an exciting project and we challenge every other Bangor-area organization to match our $1,000 contribution,” Green said. According to Friends of Dakin Pool President Mike Robinson, campaign organizers are grateful for both the Firefighters’ contribution and their challenge to other prospective donors.

“The support of the Bangor Professional Fire Fighters IAFF Local 772 pushed the campaign total over $30,000,” he said. “We know that if other labor organizations, social and civic groups and clubs accept the challenge to match this gift, we’ll be at the half-way mark in no time.”

The $100,000 capital campaign for what was Bangor’s first public swimming pool was launched on the first day of summer by the Friends of Dakin Pool. To date, $30,000 in gifts and pledges have been received. Funds raised will be used to enhance and improve the area around the pool. The campaign will fund five distinct areas at the Dakin Pool complex:

. Construction of a new 28-foot-by-36-foot pool house to include public restrooms, a first aid station, lifeguard office and outside showers.

. Erecting a new fence to create a grassy picnic and play area adjacent to the pool.

. Repairs to the pool deck, creation of a new walkway, and construction of a new 10-foot-by-14-foot equipment building to house the pool pump and filtration system.

The campaign is scheduled to conclude in September. Those who contribute $500 or more, and business and organizations donating $1,000 and up, will be listed on a permanent plaque at the pool.

The Friends of Dakin Pool is a nonprofit organization run by community volunteers. Their mission is to raise funds to enhance and improve the Dakin Pool complex. For more information about Summer in the City: The Campaign for Dakin Pool, visit www.dakinpool.com. To contribute directly, make checks out to Friends of Dakin Pool and mail to P. O. Box 2657, Bangor, ME 04402-2657.