After successfully managing some financial turbulence earlier this year, some recent developments have given the Patagonia Regional Aquatics Center (PRAC) reason to be optimistic not only about the 2027 pool schedule but about the possibility of having a new facility to replace the present one.
Regarding the outlook for the pool in 2027, PRAC President Beth Lofquist said, “We are thrilled to share two pieces of good news. First, we have received word from South32 that the company has generously awarded PRAC a $30,000 Community Investment Grant, and second, our first ever July swim-a-thon was a huge success, netting over $17,000.
“Together, these two infusions of cash will give us a great head start on 2027. However, we still will need to raise an additional $30,000-$40,000 to fully fund next year’s pool schedule. We’re hoping our annual fall campaign will get us over the finish line,” Lofquist said. “This fall, thanks to a few generous anonymous donors the campaign will feature a dollar-for-dollar match of all contributions up to $15,000. It’s your chance to double the value of your contribution.”
The fund-raising campaign will run until Nov. 15.
Lofquist also announced two more developments of interest to the community. She said representatives of Santa Cruz County, town of Patagonia, South32 and PRAC met on Oct. 14 to get a briefing on the pool’s current funding situation and to discuss the need for and feasibility of building a new pool to serve eastern Santa Cruz County. The consensus among the attendees was that a new pool would likely be needed, perhaps within the next few years, and that planning for that facility should start now. They agreed to meet again in about a month to gather relevant information on current pool usage and explore possible locations and sources of funding to build and operate a new facility.
Also, the PRAC board has begun drafting a strategic plan that will guide the organization for the next five years, and input from the community is invited. The draft plan will be available for review and comment on PRAC’s website, www.Patagoniapool.org. The board hopes to complete the plan by the end of this year.
The pool serves all of eastern Santa Cruz County but receives no governmental funding. Its annual operational budget of approximately $100,000 is funded entirely by user fees, grants and donations. Volunteers are responsible for maintenance and operations, and the only paid positions are lifeguards, primarily local youth.
