Madison nonprofit awards $2M for Crystal Beach Aquatic Park
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Bethany Legacy Foundation, a nonprofit organization serving Jefferson County, has awarded a $2 million grant to fund construction of a new pool, and renovations to the existing pool house, at the city of Madison’s historic Crystal Beach Pool. The foundation says the funding will allow the city to maintain its project timeline, with plans to open the pool in May 2024.
“We are so grateful for Bethany Legacy Foundation’s support for our Crystal Beach Aquatic Park development,” said Madison Mayor Bob Courtney. “Delivering on our mutual promise to serve the health and wellness needs of Madison and Jefferson County, this partnership brings a modern facility for children and adults of all ages and all abilities. This partnership is truly transformative for the community, and I couldn’t be more pleased with this opportunity.”
The historic swimming pool was constructed during the Great Depression by the Works Progress Administration, according to Visit Madison.
The city first announced plans to renovate the Crystal Beach pool house in 2017 as part of the Stellar Communities designation. In 2020, the city expanded the project to include renovations to the swimming pool.
“It’s also very important for us that every family regardless of income level can access and enjoy the pool,” said Bethany Legacy Foundation CEO Dora Anim. “Bethany Legacy Foundation and the City of Madison will be partnering with Bill Barnes and his team at the Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County to ensure a portion of our grant is directed to supporting access to the pool by low-income families.”
Bethany Legacy Foundation, which was founded in 2022, focuses on creating solutions that remove economic and social obstacles to foster a healthy community.