By HOLLY GASKILL
Throughout the week, various businesses have made generous donations to allow over 800 people into the Wells Community Pool free of charge.
Bluffton Parks Department Superintendent Brandy Fiechter was first contacted by Ben Burman State Farm, who had done similarly last year.
This year, perhaps because of the enduring hot weather and heat advisories, there’s been a ripple effect.
Nine more businesses and individuals have since contacted Fiechter to pay for admittance into the pool. The donations have carried through next week and July, covering the entry ticket price for 865 people to visit the Wells Community Pool.
“It’s been really hot this week, and that’s been on everyone’s hearts,” Fiechter said. “(The pool’s) a great resource and it’s just been so incredible to see how people come together and are paying it forward.”
These businesses have included Ben Burman State Farm, Nick Huffman with the Steffen Group, Tanner Bowen of Hiday Motors, 5SBuilding Co., the Bluffton Moose Lodge, Peoplelink Staffing Solutions, Ethan’s Outdoor Services, Indiana Party Rentals, Pitties Properties and Pitties Dog House, and an anonymous donor.
Upcoming donations have paid for the first 100 people on Monday, 200 people on Tuesday, 65 people on Thursday, 75 on Friday, 100 people on July 1, 50 people on July 2, 35 on July 8, and 100 on July 9. Fiechter said these days have been specifically selected for the anticipated hot, dry weather forecasts.
Friday was the first day Fiechter could advertise the free opportunity in advance on Facebook — people were in line 45 minutes before the pool opened. Within 30 minutes of the pool opening, roughly 40 people were in line. Later Friday afternoon, lifeguards on duty estimated that over 300 people had come to the pool, calling it their “busiest day yet.”
Temperatures this week peaked on Monday at 96 degrees without humidity. However, the weather has maintained in the 90s, with very little respite from clouds or rain. Current forecasts show the weather remaining sunny and in the high 80s and 90s for the next week.
Outside of those first free tickets, pool admission costs $4 for adults, $3 for youth, and children two years old and younger are free with an adult ticket. The pool is open from 1-6 p.m. every day. Free splash pads are also open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Pickett’s Run Park and Roush Park in Bluffton.
holly@news-banner.com
