To the Editor:

The Fayette Historic Preservation Commission with assistance from the Friends of Historic Fayette Memorial Pool are reapplying for a Land Water Conservation Fund Grant through the Department of Natural Resources for the renovation and upgrade of the Fayette Swimming Pool/World War I Memorial.

Last year we applied for the LWCF Grant for the Fayette Swimming Pool.  Unfortunately, we did not receive the grant.  There were 51 grant applications submitted and only 10 were chosen. 

The City of Fayette has given us approval to reapply for the grant this year.  Our focus again will be the renovation of two restrooms in the back of the pool to ADA compliance for public use and upgrades to electricity.  Depending on the cost of these items, we hope to be able to address other items of improvement such as new windows. This will provide patrons of the splash pad, baseball field and the park in general accessible bathroom facilities.  The maximum amount that we can apply for this year is $500,000.  The grant requires a 50% match; 75% of the match must be secured for us to apply. 

As you may know our pool, an art deco designed by Lansing, Michigan civil engineer Wesley Bintz, opened on July 4, 1936.  The design of the pool is unique as it is an above ground.  The pool was built with money from a Works Progress Administration project funds, as well as City of Fayette and State of Missouri funds.   Mr. Bintz designed many pools throughout the United States but unfortunately not many are still in working condition or even still stand.  Our pool is listed on the National Historic Registry and is designated as a Local Landmark.  

We are asking for your support for the new grant application.  As the pool is Howard County’s WWI Memorial, your support will be invaluable.

We are needing letters of support and donations/pledges that could be included in our grant proposal.  Please send your letter by October 31, 2023.

Thank you for supporting our project.

Please send letter of support to: Judy Thompson, City Clerk, 117 South Main Street, Fayette, MO 65248; jthompson@cityoffayettemo.com

Sincerely,

Fayette Historic Preservation Commission

Pam Huttsell, Chair

Kathy Brady, 

Peggy O’Connell, 

Joey Smith, 

John Baylor

Friends of Historic Fayette Memorial Pool

Ann Schnell, Chair

Lynn Holtzclaw, Vice-Chair

Laura Lewis, Secretary

Pam Huttsell, Treasurer

Darrell Ridgwell