Andrew County Aquatics Initiative hosts final fundraiser before pool opening, shares updates on progress

AMAZONIA, Mo. (KQTV) -- What started as devastating news has turned into a story of community strength.

Just eight months after facing possible closure, the Savannah Pool, a beloved community staple, is undergoing renovations and is scheduled to reopen by Memorial Day, thanks to an outpouring of support that has raised more than $720,000.

When the pool was initially slated to close, organizers feared the worst.

Early estimates suggested building a new facility could cost $6 to $7 million, a staggering figure for a community of the size.

But then something unexpected happened.

Once local professionals began assessing the existing structure, they determined the pool could be saved and renovated for a fraction of the original cost.

"The pivot was just like 1,000 pounds lifted off of all our committees' shoulders," said Diane Gould, President of the Andrew County Aquatics Initiative.

What followed was a wave of community support unlike anything organizers had seen.

Local electricians, plumbers, and welders began volunteering their skills, many with personal connections to the pool.

"What's been really cool is that a lot of those people are coming in pro bono, saying, 'I used this pool as a kid and I want to use my skills for the greater good of Savannah,'" Gould said.

The fundraising campaign, which began in August, has brought in approximately $720,000 toward its ultimate goal of $850,000 to $900,000.

At Saturday's trivia night fundraiser at the Timber Ridge Farm in Amazonia, all 25 tables sold out within half an hour.

The event, which included a silent auction, raffles, and mini games, drew about 200 attendees, with even more participating remotely from home.

Organizers described the event as their "fundraising finale" for the build, though they continue to accept outside donations from community members who want to be part of the effort.

Work on the pool has been ongoing for about a month, with crews dismantling the old deck and making significant upgrades.

The renovations include expanding the popular zero-entry area, creating a private party space for birthdays, installing large shade sails for families, and adding evening swim lessons to accommodate working parents.

The pool has already hired a staff of 30 lifeguards and ten concessions workers who are currently training in anticipation of the summer season.

For many in the community, the pool's revival carries deep personal meaning.

Two newly hired lifeguards, Kambri Lehman and Rorie Jones, both high school students, shared why they wanted to be part of the effort.

"I wanted to create a safe community pool," Lehman said. "The lifeguard staff have a really good bond, and I wanted to make sure it was a safe place for parents to drop their kids off."

Jones added that she was heartbroken when closure seemed imminent. "When I was younger, it was always a place I wanted to go. I was upset that the younger generation wasn't going to be able to have that experience."

Organizers say the journey has been a roller coaster, but they would not trade the outcome.

"We took a bad situation and made lemonade like you've never seen," Gould said. "I'll look back on it and feel so proud and satisfied that our community united as one. There's been no bickering, no power struggles, it's just been like 'how do we unite? How do we do what is right and good for the kids today and right for the kids coming up?"

With renovations on track and a staff already in place, the pool is expected to open its doors on Memorial Day, ready to serve the community for decades to come.

Organizers emphasize that while this is the final fundraiser for the build, their committee is not going anywhere, they remain committed to maintaining and preserving the facility that so many came together to save.

To donate and for more information on the initiative, you can visit their website here.