Pool Manager Kami Willie recently reported to the board of commissioners on a strong and successful spring season at The LeGrande Aqua Plunge, and the beginning of the summer swimming sessions. 

Building on last year’s improvements, which included new flooring, this year saw further enhancements to the facility. The dressing room stalls were replaced, upgraded lighting was installed, and new panels were added to the climbing wall. The local Girl Scouts contributed by planting flowers around the facility, adding to its welcoming appearance.

A major highlight was the addition of a new pergola, which was designed, built, and installed by BC Timbers and Hess Lumber. Mrs. Willie expressed deep appreciation for this project, emphasizing that the design, materials, and labor for the pergola were fully donated at no cost to the city.

Funding for the other improvements—including the flooring, lighting, and climbing wall panels—was provided through a grant from the Idaho Community Foundation (ICF), obtained with assistance from
Kathy Kent.

At the commission meeting, Kami Willie thanked Mrs. Kent for her role in securing the funding. She also expressed gratitude to the Board of Commissioners for approving a recent wage increase for staff, noting that the increase has had a positive impact on staffing levels and has made it possible to be fully staffed for the season.

Finally, Mrs. Willie said a recent bill was passed that struck some regulations that have been in place. Inspector Mike Reese praised her work, encouraging her to “keep doing what you are doing”.

The LeGrande Aqua Plunge is one of the most active community institutions during the summer months, and has been the beginning of countless residents’ love affair with swimming.  You can consider this a personal soap box if you’d like, but in this editor’s opinion learning to swim is one of the most vital things a young person can do to prepare themselves for emergency situations.  Plus, it’s a lot of fun.  Drowning in recreational bodies of water (to say nothing of canals) is among the most frequent causes of death in Idaho for minors, and there’s no reason not to cross “learn to swim” off the list.  Soapbox speech over.