PRESIDENT’S REPORT (MARCH, 2018)
Friends,
We kicked off the new year with a board retreat in February where we discussed some very ambitious goals for 2018. But first I would like to welcome our new Vice President, Ryan Cox. Ryan expressed interest in getting involved with FBSP and we are all excited about having him on the board. We are still seeking a membership chair so if anyone would like to get on board please get a hold of me and we will talk.
Fundraising is FUN
Fundraising is the main vehicle for us to supply tools and equipment used during our volunteer pool cleaning efforts. There are three very important fundraising events happening that we are proud to be a part of.
- Amplify Austin is our city’s annual community wide day of online giving that’s happening on March 1-2. To make a donation for Friends of Barton Springs Pool, click this link https://amplifyatx.ilivehereigivehere.org/friendsofbartonspringspool2018 and make donation! Thanks!
- Give5 Austin to Mother Earth is an event specifically dedicated to benefit 9 local nonprofit organization FBSP being one of them. A first part of the campaign involves finding business sponsors that will pledge to donate to 5% of their revenue on Fri(4/20) Mother Earth day. If you business would like to participate as a sponsor, please click this link, https://austingive5.org/signup, and sign up!
- FBSP Booth is our chance meet folks, and spread our message at the south side pool entrance. We offer an assortment of products for a donation and plan on sponsoring the booth on the Sunday before each of our first Thursday of the month pool cleaning events. We are working on a new design for our t-shirts and other products so please come by and listen, learn and contribute to our cause.
Spring Cleaning is Fun, Too!!!!
In 2018, we are kicking off our year of volunteer cleaning at the pool by participating in the biggest city-wide volunteer event known as It’s My Park Day on March 3, 2018. Sponsored by Austin Parks Foundation, participants can sign up for a shift at the Austin Parks Foundation site link, https://austinparks.givepulse.com/event/69299-Barton-Springs-FBSP-Barton-Springs-Volunteer-Pool-Cleaning. Just click the “Register” button, create an account (with name, zip, email, and password), provide the requested information (t-shirt size, allergies, emergency contact, DOB, address), click the waiver agreements, and you’re in! Please share information with others using this link, https://givepul.se/u8hm3
This is a chance for our members to participate on a Saturday while the pool is closed for spring cleaning. Our regular volunteer pool cleaning events on the first Thursday of the month will run from April to October.
Ongoing Challenges for Friends
We have a multitude of challenges both inside and outside the fence at Barton Springs Pool. As an nonprofit organization our true calling is inside the fence sponsoring volunteer pool cleanings. We take the knowledge and experience gained from these events to raise awareness of issues, advocate for change and work with the BSP Staff to find solutions. This year we have challenges that include planting trees, repopulating plants in the pool, removal of sediment at the bypass tunnel inlet, keeping algae in the shallow end under control, eliminating non-native plants, and of course putting a shine on the pool railings and the diving well ducks. We are also giving support to many outside the fence activities that in part are integral to the goals of the Barton Springs Pool Master Plan. This involves the renovation of the bathhouse, a Zilker Park visitors center, and feasibility studies on how to improve pool water flow. We are also in support of the HOT funding for historic preservation, the city bond initiative for purchasing aquifer land, and stopping our neighboring communities from dumping treated sewage into the aquifer. If you have a chance please add your name in support of these very important challenges to Barton Springs Pool.
We are all about finding ways to put big smiles and foster good feelings at the pool. The celebration of the completions of Eliza Springs Day Lighting project , the annual FBSP member picnic, and organizing Council Cleans the pool will hopefully keep everyone smiling and wanting to make the pool the best it can be this season.
See you at the pool,
Steve Barnick, FBSP President
