Local philanthropists are donating $1 million towards a new indoor pool in Sioux Falls. The donation will fund the pool at the planned Frank Olson Recreation Center.
Joe and Jennifer Kirby donated the funds for naming rights of the new pool.
Jennifer Kirby said she swims at the Midco Aquatic Center nearly every day. She recounted a time she spoke with someone about the importance of aquatics on both mental and physical health.
“She looked right at me and she said, ‘[It’s] better than antidepressants.’ And I thought, ‘Wow. This isn’t just a nice to have thing, it’s an important thing if we can have an activity replacing medication.’ It made me realize this is serious. It’s serious business," Kirby said. "It can feel like an icing on the cake, but really if we’re helping people physically and mentally that’s about the best thing a city can do for its residents.”
The donation means the pool at the future facility would be called the “Kirby Pool” if approved by the Sioux Falls City Council.
The council already approved $47 million for the indoor recreation center. The city’s Parks and Recreation department says the donation will specifically go towards construction costs – or potential enhancements.
Parks and Recreation officials said they don’t expect the Kirby’s gift to lower the bonding amount for the total project.
