A Welwyn Garden City school swimming pool has reopened after a major refurbishment thanks to the biggest ever grant given by the Welwyn Hatfield Community Fund.
Panshanger Primary School's PTA needed to raise around £87,000 to save their outdoor pool from being lost forever after its wooden base began to rot away.
As they raced to raise funds with sponsored events, film nights, non-uniform days and a summer fair, they turned to the Welwyn Hatfield Community Fund for backing.
Amazingly, its bid was successful and it was given the biggest amount the fund has ever released to one project - £50,000.
The refurbishment got under way in the spring and saw parents give up their time to paint, clean, fix, dig and use all of their DIY skills to keep the costs of the refurbishment down.
Panshanger Primary School's headteacher Sarah Holt said: "This amazing amount of money has enabled the PTA to refurbish the pool completely, this will allow the school to continue to offer swimming lessons and fun sessions to all our children and parents for many years to come."
Panshanger Primary's PTA treasurer Kelly-Ann Mills said: "The £50,000 grant made a huge difference and meant the refurb could go ahead, but we still needed to raise another £37,000.
"As a small school this was a huge ask of our parents and teachers but the end result, seeing the pool open, children swimming and the pool ready for many years to come was worth it."
Chair of the Welwyn Hatfield Community Fund Matt Perren said: "We’re delighted to be able to announce our largest support to date for Panshanger Primary School’s project to restore their swimming pool.
"This funding will ensure a vital sport and leisure facility remains in use both for the students and the wider community, especially given the School and PTA’s own fundraising efforts.”
The Welwyn Hatfield Community Fund seeks to encourage and develop participation in sport, leisure and recreational participation at all levels and by all sections of the community within Welwyn Hatfield.
The fund is currently accepting applications at better.org.uk.
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