Texoma Gives Keeps Olney Beautiful

Keep Olney Beautiful knew that replacing the 70-year-old municipal swimming pool “someday” would be the crown jewel in its upgrade of Tom Griffin Park. The effort to replace the pool is in its second year now as Texoma Gives approaches on Sept. 7.

“KOB’s focus continues to be on building a new pool at Tom Griffin Park,” said Kyle Turner, KOB president. “We have run into some slight delays on funding but we are actively exploring short-term options to help us get the project started.”

Mr. Turner said any funds that KOB receives from Texoma Gives will be used exclusively for the pool project.

“We have the pool builder on standby ready to get started once we give the go-ahead, and we are also in the process of designing the concession and restroom areas.”

KOB’s goal is to open the pool by the summer of 2024. KOB also has other projects in the works.

“We have approved new streetlight banners that are expected to be installed this fall. We are researching new decorative streetlights and poles. We have also discussed a larger scale landscaping project for the east and west stone entrance signs along with the potential for new entrance signs on the north and south ends of town. We have a lot on the table, and we appreciate the continued support from the community,” Mr. Turner said.

Texoma Gives is always a strong fundraiser for KOB, Mr. Turner said. “We are looking forward to another strong year of donations and will look to put the funds to use in getting the pool project started.”

KOB is among six Olney nonprofits to raise money for its causes during the 16-hour online giving event that goes from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sept. 7. KOB is accepting donations at www.texomagives. org/organizations/ keep-olney-beautiful.

KOB is also hosting a hamburger fundraiser on Sunday, Sept. 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the downtown gazebo.

“It will be grab-andgo so folks won’t need to get out of their cars,” Mr. Turner said. “Watch for flyers for more information.