The Ocracoke Community Pool Association will hold a fundraiser starting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 25, in the Ocracoke Community Center.
The event will showcase and sell Ocracoke School students’ artwork on the themes of water and swimming pools.
Free hot dogs will be available from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and a silent auction of the artwork will begin at 5:30 and close at 7 p.m.
Information about the project, a Q & A, and a fun skit will be held from 6:30 to 7:30.
Grace West, organizer of the association, said 20% of the art sales will go to Ocracoke School and 80% will go toward land acquisition for land for a community pool.
Community artists are welcome to donate work for the event as well.
The group’s board of directors has been meeting since January and believes that number one priority for a community pool is to provide a safe place for children and adults to become water safe through water safety classes and swim lessons.
“It is surprising how many people are non-swimmers that both live and visit Ocracoke,” West said. “The ocean and sound provide boogie boarding, surfing, fishing, kayaking opportunities but not an easy place for people to learn basic water safety.”
Another goal for the pool is to provide fitness and rehabilitation opportunities.
Swimming laps as well as water aerobics classes can enhance fitness for all ages.
The rehabilitation benefits from pool therapy for injury, joint replacement and arthritis are well known.
“Simply walking in a swimming pool can build strength and balance,” she said. “Recreation enjoyment in a safe (NO rip currents!) swimming pool cannot be minimized.”
The OCPA board envisions memberships to be sold once the pool is built.
First, land is needed, and donations will enable OCPA to move forward.
To donate, send checks to OCPA, PO Box 1371 Ocracoke, NC 27960. For information, email ocpa23@yahoo.com.
