Willows gave. So did those who love us.


The July Public Swim Project received donations from as far away as Compton, Maryland. Ranging in amounts from $2 to $2,000, organizations and individuals made their contributions through Community Wish Foundation, GoFundMe, and the City of Willows. Many locals also stopped at our fundraising tent at the Downtown Street Fair to share: fond childhood memories of swimming at the Willows City Pool, encouragement, and cash. People cared that the joys they experienced as kids were passed along to others now and in the future.


From many vantage points of swimming and pool operations, generous folks gave their support. Willows High School Principal and Staff, Willows Unified School District, City Council, City Manager, Recreation Director, and Lifeguards all played essential roles. It is mind-boggling to recall the abundant array of gifts offered up by individuals and groups: nonprofit support, technical skills, maintenance, training, expertise, ingenuity, goodwill and precious time.


Even though one kind soul had previously donated, she hand-delivered a final to bring the fundraising total to an even $20,000. 


Friends of the Willows City Pool wish to thank every human being who made the Free Public Swim Project successful. Now that it is finished, may we take a little time to celebrate and rest before we consider the next steps for the Willows City Pool.


With Gratitude,


Madelyn Coffman

Jeff Fleck

Deana Fleming

Lollie Knight

Sharon Mayne

Sharon Ponciano

Allyson Smith









Original Post:


As word spread that the Willows City Pool would not be open again this year, many members of the community have expressed their desire to do something. Friends of the Willows City Pool discovered their shared interest at the June 14 Willows City Council meeting. Since then they have continued to meet and research options for public swimming since there are none in our community. With the cooperation of the Willows Unified School District, The Willows City Council and the Willows City Staff, we wish to fund the use of the Willows High School pool for Free Public Swimming. This has been a compelling cause for many who recognize our children have suffered significantly in the last year due to unusual physical and social restrictions. Our local Community Wish Foundation has provided their support as a 501 C-3 non-profit organization to assist us in fundraising for $20,000 to cover the expenses:

5 Lifeguards- $10,120

*5 guards 4 hrs/day with time added for open/close.

*Payroll cost reported by City Manager as $22.75 per lifeguard

Lifeguard First Aid Supplies and shade tents, showers etc. $1,060

Pool chemicals- $4,000

Maintenance labor- $2,000

Utilities- $1000

Extra set-up/ breakdown time accrued by Hydo-jets $300

Porta-potties and sanitation station Donated by Lannie´s Septic Service

Provisional Costs $1,520