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General Information
1. When will the new pool open?
Memorial Day weekend, 2011.
When does construction start?
Demolition of the old pool is underway now, construction begins in mid-August, and concludes in spring 2011.
2. Who are the Friends of Hoyt Park & Pool?
The Friends of Hoyt Park & Pool (FOHPP) is a not for profit organization whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for all members of the community by supporting the development, maintenance, and ongoing operation of a medium-sized outdoor family pool at Hoyt Park, while preserving the natural beauty of the surrounding park and adjacent Menomonee River Parkway.
In July 2006, the Friends of Hoyt Park & Pool group was given 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Your donations to the Friends of Hoyt Park & Pool's mission are tax deductible.
Visit the About FOHPP for more information on the Friends of Hoyt Park and Pool.
Our goals include:
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Raise $500,000 by September, 2010 to fund the pool amenities like the slide, diving boards and starting blocks, and deck furnishings
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Insure that the design and operation of the new pool meets the needs of the community.
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Provide volunteer opportunities to actively engage the community in the pool pre-construction fund-raising and post-construction
3. What’s happening with Hoyt Pool?
Milwaukee County closed Hoyt Pool in 2003 citing severe structural problems causing water leaks that made operations too expensive. In 2006 FOHPP formed to rebuild the pool and bring a 100-year swimming tradition back to Hoyt Park. In addition, FOHPP successfully negotiated a 55-year lease with Milwaukee County in July 2007 giving FOHPP control over the design/build process and the ongoing operations of the new pool at Hoyt Park.
FOHPP has raised $7.7 million for the design and construction of the new pool. We have received the go-ahead from both Milwaukee County and the city of Wauwatosa.
We still need to raise $500,000 from the community to pay for all the amenities that will make the TOSA Pool at Hoyt Park the place you want to spend the day.
4. What is the next step?
Demolition of the old pool is underway now, and construction begins in mid-August. However, FOHPP needs to raise an additional $500,000 by September, 2010 to include all the amenities in the project plans.
These amenities include:
- Diving Boards and starting blocks for the lap lanes
- Tots play set with slides and water play features
- Giant water slide
- Sunshades and deck chairs
- Built-in tables and seating with sun-shades for the concession area
5. How do I contact the Friends of Hoyt Park?
E-mail FOHPP at FOHPP@wi.rr.com or visit the contact us page to send a message.
Donations and written correspondence may be sent to:
Friends of Hoyt Park & Pool
P.O. Box 13936
Wauwatosa, WI 53213
Fundraising
6. How much money will the pool cost?
The total project is estimated at $9.2 million. Our lease agreement with Milwaukee County required a total of $6.35 million to be raised before construction could begin. In addition, the lease requires FOHPP to have a fully funded operations reserve to make sure the pool does not become a burden to taxpayers.
Milwaukee County is contributing $1.5 million toward improvements in Hoyt Park.
The FOHPP plans to conduct ongoing fund-raising in the coming years to raise an additional $1 million for a programming reserve fund. These funds are intended to augment the programming budget as necessary to support the ongoing needs of maintaining a highly family-friendly pool and park environment that will meet the needs and expectations of the community. These funds will be controlled and administered by the 13-member governance board.
Operations
Operations
7. How will the pool be governed in the future?
A 55-year long-term lease was negotiated with the county. The terms of the lease stipulate that the FOHPP would be the independent operators of the pool and the FOHPP board will be the governing body for the facility.
This is a new paradigm for a public/private partnership that will allow the pool to be built without creating an additional tax burden. We believe the independent, non-profit entity, Friends of Hoyt Park & Pool, is the best entity to maintain accountability for all aspects of the project over time and be accountable to private donors. The long-term lease that FOHPP negotiated will allow the project to maintain its independence for years to come.
8. How will the pool be managed after it is built?
Ongoing oversight will be provided by FOHPP, an independent nonprofit organization led by a board of directors with broad community representation. FOHPP will operate the new pool under a lease agreement with Milwaukee County. The FOHPP board would oversee all aspects of the pool operations, including maintenance, rules, staffing and security, with direct management under the executive director and FOHPP leadership staff.
9. Will the pool and park be safe?
Friends of Hoyt Park & Pool will establish and enforce a code of conduct to maintain a high level of safety and assure a family-friendly environment. FOHPP will also adopt policies that have been used successfully at other pools in similar communities to effectively maintain the desired atmosphere. We have, and will continue to seek input, expert advice from the Wauwatosa Police Department, the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department, and the recently established park ranger program. These local resources will be utilized to the fullest extent available to identify strategies for a safe environment in the pool and surrounding park.
10. What if the pool has an operating loss?
Cold summers in Wisconsin can really hurt pool revenues. FOHPP has been forward-thinking in the planned creation of a reserve fund. This reserve fund is specifically designed to help the pool’s operating entity withstand more challenging times and preserve the long-term integrity of the project. Additionally, the FOHPP has developed a sustainable business model based on other successful pools built in Wisconsin recently.
11. What opportunities does the public have to learn about FOHPP plans?
The Friends of Hoyt Park & Pool welcomes the opportunity to share information about the project with the community and is attending many community events, as well as those organized by FOHPP. We also send out regular eBlast newsletters to people in our email database and information through the NAC eBlast. In addition, we are currently conducting focus groups to better understand the community’s interests in summer programming at the TOSA Pool at Hoyt Park next summer.
12. We can swim somewhere else. Why should I support this project?
Parkland and local recreational activities like swimming are critical components of the perceived value of owning property in a community. Further, a community athletic facility contributes to the health and well-being of citizens of all ages. Lastly, maintaining a tradition many of us grew up with – riding our bikes to the local pool or park -- will refresh the vitality of our community and provide an essential community asset.
