The first official swimming season for the McKellar Park Swim Pond is in sight: The facility likely will be ready to open Memorial Day weekend.
Friends of Mckellar Park, Inc. shared gratitude and updates with the community during its annual Blue Jean Ball fundraiser last Saturday at Blanchard Hall in Blanchardville. The event – which raises money through admissions, an auction and 50-50 raffle – drew an estimated $7,500 to support continued work at the pond and other park improvements in the future. Nearly 140 people gathered for the event, which sees some items like baked goods being sold to bidders for hundreds of dollars.
“Last year we were talking about a pond, and we did it,” said Jody Moen, a member of the Friends group, as she welcomed guests to the Blue Jean Ball. “Just know how much we appreciate you – there’s no way we could thank everyone enough for what they’ve done.”
The pond’s bathhouse currently is being built and the sidewalk around the facility was poured just last week. The progress follows a three-week “soft opening” in August 2025, which generated $10,000 in admission revenue and welcomed visitors from more than 50 communities. This illustrates its power to become a regional destination, economic driver and a safe, welcoming space for children and adults alike, group members shared.
“This year, we’re continuing to build on that momentum as we work toward adding a bathhouse to complement the pond and enhance the experience for all who visit,” said Marsha Crooks, a member of Friends of Mckellar Park who helped manage the pond project. “But, none of this would have been possible without the many hardworking individuals who gave their time, energy and talents to make this vision a reality.
“There are simply too many people to name.”
The effort to bring the recreational space back to the village began seven years ago with a desire to repair or replace the aging pool, which needed significant work – and dollars – to accomplish. A group of motivated residents came together to start fundraising money to put toward the pool restoration efforts, but, over time, it became clear the cost of a new traditional pool and ongoing maintenance would be too large a financial investment. Friends of Mckellar Park, Inc., a nonprofit, formed to provide an official home and structure for fundraising efforts, which includes two primary fundraisers of the Blue Jean Ball and PAR-TEE for the Mckellar Park golf outing.
Paul Saether, of Blanchardville Community Pride Inc., said the community’s support of the pond and the Friends group is important for making Blanchardville a vibrant place to live.
“We have something going right now in Blanchardville with the new people who are being attracted to our village. They are drawn to the mix we have here, and they are bringing their friends and family,” said Saether, whose family owns Blanchard Hall, where the event is held each year. “Our family loves hosting the Blue Jean Ball because it brings together music, food and people to have fun while supporting Mckellar Park Swim Pond, which we feel benefits the community so much.”
Swimming in Blanchardville began in 1939 with what was informally referred to as “the ‘ol swimming hole” that had a sandy bottom. That facility remained until the concrete pool that many current residents remember opened in 1966, according to Blanchardville Historical Society records. Over time, the concrete pool had significant repair and ongoing maintenance needs. When it closed in 2019, the Friends group and many community members began brainstorming what could be brought to the village to provide a similar experience for children, teens and families like so many across generations had enjoyed at the pool for decades.
The Friends thanked community members and partners, businesses, donors, volunteers, and everyone who has helped bring the pond to fruition and supported this year’s Blue Jean Ball. More details about the upcoming swimming season will be available on the group’s Facebook page.
“Together, we’ve created something truly special – something that will benefit this village for decades to come,” Crooks said.
