SIPP Makes Progress on Fundraising Goal

The Portsmouth Indoor Pool & Aquatic Fitness Center continues to thrive after the City or Portsmouth and Save the Indoor Portsmouth Pool  (SIPP)  established a unique public / private community partnership last year. 

After 18 months of joint work sessions the City and SIPP signed a five-year lease giving SIPP the opportunity to implement its operating and capital improvement plan for the pool, with only a $150,000 in annual support for the pool operations from the City. 

SIPP is making good on its commitment to raise a minimum of $750,000 for capital improvements and repairs over the five-year life of the lease. During the summer of 2012, the funds raised so far we used to upgrade many components of the aquatic facility including:  new gutter system, new  pool deck drainage system, new controllers, new diving blocks and much more. All of this work was overseen by the pool manager, Lisa Arakelian.  

In addition, pool supporters have once again volunteer their time to polish the facility during the annual shutdown that occurred in August.  Volunteers worked hard over a two week period to paint the pool deck, bathrooms, conference room, and outside areas,  as well as washed carpets, improved the landscaping and many other tasks.

To celebrate these improvements to the facility and another successful year of the public / private partnership, the pool is hosting its 2nd Annual Fitness Fair & Grand Reopening Celebration, on Sunday, September 9, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.  All members and non-members are welcome to attend and participate in the aquatic demonstrations, door prize, and refreshments.   Exhibitors include: McAvoy Aquatic Sports & Therapy, Vento Triathlon Club, First Stage Divers, youth and adult swim teams, Trek Bicycles, and many more.

According to Jennifer Zorn, SIPP’s Public Affairs Officer, “we are thrilled to continue to exceed everyone’s expectations at every step of the way. The pool is a truly a community center and everyone is pitching in to assist to accomplish our work together.” 

Save the Indoor Portsmouth Pool (SIPP) is a New Hampshire registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing quality aquatic programs at the Indoor Portsmouth Pool & Aquatic Fitness Center.  The pool is a public recreation facility that is open to everyone.

Submitted by Jennifer Zorn, public affairs officer, Save the Indoor Portsmouth Pool