Nonprofit group The Friends of Easling Pool hit a $625,000 fundraising goal for the Grand Traverse County Civic Center facility this week, paving the way for pool renovations to begin July 1.

The successful fundraising campaign will pay for renovations of the pool sanitation system, air-handling equipment, liner, and decking. According to the Friends group, over 400 donors contributed to the first phase of the campaign, with major gifts from Rotary Charities, the N. Paul and Jane Easling Family, Tom’s Markets, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, The Mahogany Foundation (Meridith and Dan Falconer), Dr. and Mrs. Timothy Hanley, and the William and Susanne Janis Family.

Because the fundraising goal was hit months ahead of its August target, Friends of Easling Pool is now launching a second campaign to raise another $125,000. That campaign will run through June 30 and will help renovate the locker rooms at the pool, including the restrooms. “The second phase allows us to raise our sights and do even more than we first believed possible,” says Friends of Easling Pool President Bridget Thuente. For more information or to donate, click here.