Donations sought for water park

To the editor:
A great day is coming for Portland and the surrounding area.
After months of study, planning and debate the Portland Park Board and the City of Portland are taking the steps necessary to construct a new pool. In addition to replacing the existing pool there will be many new features to make this an exciting place for our youngest to our most senior citizens.
The new facility will be known as the Portland Water Park.
While the city has agreed to fund a major portion of the cost of the project, the public has been asked to raise the remaining $1 million that will be required. A campaign cabinet has been formed that is charged with raising that formidable sum.
Thanks to positive early responses from The Portland Foundation, The Jay County Commissioners, Jay County Council and Portland Redevelopment Commission, the campaign is off to a good start with nearly half of the goal committed or in the process of being committed.
The time has come for residents of Portland and the surrounding area to make pledges of financial support so that the $1 million goal can be met.
This week a dedicated group of solicitors have accepted the challenge of helping to raise those funds. If you are contacted by one of them you are encouraged to support this important effort.
While the campaign cabinet hopes to achieve its goal by the end of 2014, you will have until the end of 2015 to pay off your tax-deductible pledge.
If you are not contacted by a solicitor, we encourage you to pick up a pledge form at The Portland Foundation office at 112 E. Main St. so that you can be included as one of the supporters. All donations are appreciated and all who donate will be recognized in a lasting way once the Water Park has been completed.
And, if this generous community responds as we are confident it will, that completion can occur by the end of the summer of 2015.
Thank you sincerely for your support,
John Young, chair
Rob Weaver, vice-chair
Portland Water Park Cabinet