Andrew County Aquatics Initiative reaches fundraising goal

SAVANNAH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Andrew County Aquatics Initiative (ACAI) announced on social media Friday morning that it has exceeded its fundraising goal to save the Savannah Aquatics Center.

After it was announced near the end of last swimming season by the Savannah Parks Department that the pool had reached the end of it's lifespan, a group (ACAI) formed quickly and got to work on possible alternatives.

Originally, the group looked at the possibility of raising enough funds through donations to build a new facility; however, after officials analyzed the foundation and different amenities of the facility, it was determined that the original structure could be saved.

From there, multiple fundraising efforts ensued, and on the morning of April 17, ACAI officially announced that it had met its goal.

ACAI's goal of $900,000 would provide the much needed renovations to extend the life of the pool. The group said it exceeded that goal by raising a total of $911,694.

The center is expected to open its doors for the 2026 pool season on May 23, according to Savannah Aquatic Center's Diane Esely Gould.

Gould also shared that the center is taking purchases, reservations and more for the upcoming pool season.

To learn more about the options for attending the pool in Savannah this summer, click here.