Neighbors Raise $700K to Improve City-Owned Public Pool

Community residents raise close to $700,000 for new space.

It might be November, but Janet Tomko's two children are thinking about spring. That's when their swim team at the Garden Hills Pool will reconvene for the season.

"They already have their swimsuits!" said Tomko with a laugh.

Kids who love to swim or and splash have more to look forward to than just the popular Buckhead pool reopening next year. By the time the warmer weather rolls around, extensive renovations and construction will be completed on an eco-friendly pool house boasting a community room, indoor party room, a covered deck, improved bathroom facilities, six showers and changing areas, a larger concession stand, and handicapped access to the adjacent playground.

Though the facility is a public pool owned by the city, it is run by the neighborhood association in conjunction with the Parks Department. But the new space, costing around $750,000, has been fully funded by the neighborhood through a fundraising campaign that started two years ago.

"We've done all sorts of things - cocktail parties in private homes, ice cream socials, even a dog swim in the pool on the last day of the season," said Tomko, who has lived in the neighborhood about 14 years. "It has all added up, and we have raised close to $700,000."

The last big fundraising push before spring will take place Nov. 9 at the Atlanta International School. The Taste of Garden Hills is expected to draw 400 participants for an evening of food from area restaurants, local entertainment and live and silent auctions. Restaurants pitching in include La Grotta, Anis, Blue Moon Pizza and Seasons 52.

"The gala started as a celebration in 2010 as a way to bring the whole neighborhood together," said Tomko, who is co-chairing the event. "We have a lot of international residents and different schools in the area, and there wasn't any one event that brought everyone together. The gala was meant to do that."

Pool Party

What: Garden Hills Gala: A Taste of Garden Hills

When: 7 p.m. Nov. 9

Where: Atlanta International School, 2890 North Fulton Drive

Information: The $50 tickets include food from more than a dozen local restaurants, an open bar and entertainment. Tickets are available at the door; at www.ghnf.org; and by calling 404-606-0242.