HomeMy WebLinkAboutA023 - Letter from Don and Ruth Furman dated May 26, 2007 pledging $2 million May 26, 2007
Ann Campbell
City Hall
515 Clark Avenue
Ames, IA 50010
Dear Mayor Campbell:
We have been closely following the proposal for a new swimming facility in Ames. Don
attended the first "pool party" at Meeker School and came away impressed with the ideas
discussed that evening. We were very glad to learn that the City Council has approved
the recommendation for a new aquatic center costing the taxpayers $8.5 million. We
think the 131h Street location is the right place for the new pool. The total proposal is a
good one and we hope the voters approve the bond issue.
If the bond issue passes, we plan to make a $2.0 million contribution to the City to
enhance the new aquatic center. We would like $1.0 million of our gift used to build the
50-meter length and other enhancements so that the pool will always be able to
accommodate swimming lessons, fitness programs, lap swimming, and other recreational
activities for children and families.
We would like the other $1.0 million of our gift used to establish an endowment fund for
the aquatic facility. We want the place to be a jewel in the City's park system. The
endowment can minimize the City's ongoing operational costs for the pool and provide
for future repair and replacement of equipment at the facility. We know the larger size of
the pool will add some operating expense, so the endowment fund should provide some
property tax relief to future Ames residents.
We have had the good fortune to live and work in Ames for the past sixty years. It has
been a great place to have a business, build homes, raise a family, and make friends. We
hope this gift will help future generations enjoy Ames as much as we have.
Sincerely,
P
Don and Rut Furman
urman
2819 Thompson Drive