Foundation Board
A River of Support
In August of 2023, the Bitterroot Aquatic Center Foundation launched a fundraising campaign called “A River of Support.”
This is a multi-year fundraising effort to provide for BAC improvements that are outside the normal budget, such as the new playground!
You can buy a fish, have your name painted on it, and the fish will be mounted on the "River of Support," which will be located on the east wall of the pool building.
Brooke trout can be purchased for $75, Rainbow trout for $150, Cutthroat Trout for $200, and Bulltrout for $500 each!
The Foundation is also looking for volunteers! We would love to have you join us and help grow the BAC into the future.
Did you know the Bitterroot Aquatic Center (BAC) has a nonprofit to help raise awareness and funds to support the BAC?
Who We Are: A nonprofit organization established in 2021 to increase community support for the BAC. We are a group of local pool advocates, swimmers, water fitness enthusiasts, and swim parents interested in improving BAC so more people and families can enjoy the pool. It is our long-term goal to make the BAC a facility that can support all of the programs the community wants, including a year-round 25-yard pool.
What We Have Accomplished: In 2023, we completed our outdoor improvement project that included a new playground, picnic tables, and new poolside chairs. The project was made possible through private donations and grants awarded by Ravalli Electric Co-op, The Rapp Family Foundation, The Annie Maclay Leffingwell Foundation, The Play Like Robert Foundation, and The Doyle Foundation.
We have secured a grant from The American Dermatologist Association for a new shade structure. The sail was installed last summer (2024) and provided some much needed shade in the southeast corner of the outdoor pool.
What We Are Working On: Our current fundraising efforts are going towards a more accessible way for patrons to enter and exit the outdoor pool, funding new pool workout equipment and pool toys, and seeking funds for low-income families to pay for swim lessons. We are also actively formulating a plan to reach our long term goal of a year-round 25 yard pool.
How You Can Help: If you have ideas for projects that you think would improve the BAC, want to get involved with our fundraising efforts, or want to help spread the word about how much you love the Bitterroot Aquatic Center, please get in touch with us at bitterrootaquaticfoundation@gmail.com.
Get Involved!
The Bittterroot Aquatic Center Foundation welcomes community involvement!
We would love to hear your ideas or suggestions, and we can always use more help!
Contact us at:
BitterrootAquaticFoundation@gmail.com
We meet on the 1st Wednesday of most months.
Our agenda, place, and time are posted at least 4 days in advance.
Come join us!
Take a look at some recent accomplishments!
The New Playground!
The new addition for 2023 was this wonderful playground! This playground, located on the southwest corner of the pool grounds, created a space for kids to play while they wait for siblings to finish up a swim lesson or to spend some dry time during summer Open Swim!
This playground was made possible by grants from the Annie Maclay Leffingwell Foundation, Doyle Family Foundation, Rapp Family Foundation, Ravalli Electric Co-op Power of Change Grant, and by donations from our valued patrons! Thank you!
Low Income
Learn-to-Swim Program
$55 provides one session of Group Lessons
(8 lessons) to one low income child.
Long Term Project
Establish a 25 yd
Year-Round Public Pool
All donations can also be sent to:
Bitterroot Aquatic Center Foundation
59 Kurtz Ln
Hamilton, MT 59840
Please make checks payable to Bitterroot Aquatic Center Foundation and please indicate which program you would like your funds earmarked for.
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and donations are tax deductible.
Thank you!
-Bitterroot Aquatic Center Foundation Board
Board members:
Karen Savory
Amy Fox
Marilyn Wildey