Fundraising effort passes $1.18 million

Donations pledged for Portland Water Park have risen past the initial goal.
The Portland Water Park fundraising committee announced Thursday that pledges have reached a total of more than $1.18 million.
The initial goal was $1 million.
“It’s a joy,” said committee chair John Young. “It’s a real uplifting experience. I always appreciated this community and it just has been wonderful to have this happen.”
Portland City Council agreed in May to pay for 68.4 percent, with a cap of $2.25 million, of the estimated $3.3 million project to replace the 55-year-old Portland Pool. The fundraising committee was formed in July to raise the remainder of the money.
The campaign had surpassed the $950,000 mark by December with a lead donation of a quarter of a million dollars from The Portland Foundation. It jumped above the $1.1 million mark this week when Tyson Mexican Original donated $100,000.
More than $1 million has already been turned over to the city.
Young said he and co-chair Rob Weaver are continuing to work to bring in more money, emphasizing that the group’s work is not complete.
“The campaign isn’t over,” said Young. “We’re still a long way from wrapping it up.”
Portland Park Board selected a bid from RLTurner of Zionsville for the project Monday, and construction is scheduled to be complete in the fall. The facility, which will include a  competition pool, dump bucket, lazy river, zero entry, lily pad walk and two slides, will open in 2016.
Those interested in donating can do so at The Portland Foundation, 112 E. Main St., Portland.