Millheim Community Rallies to Resurrect Beloved Swimming Pool

The 1976 swim group, from left, first row, Kim Guisewite, Kelly Ann Zerby, Paul Steadman, Michelle Hosterman, Kelly Jo Garbrick, Mark Hosterman, Dean Rossman, Mike Smith, Jerry Klena; second row, Mike Dawson, Rob Trauger, Michelle Guisewite, Tina Way, Mike Hosterman, Chris Guisewite, Randy Hosterman, Phil Auman, John Klena, Sharon Rote; third row, Mark Way, Deb Coates, Dawn Rossman, Jerry Hosterman, Lesa Fetterolf, Kevin Musick, Shelly Rossman, Diane Rinehart, Diane Nicholas, Jeannine Parett; fourth row, Kendra Cramer, Sheila Confer, Gwen Smith, Denise Souders, Crystal Way, Deana Rossman, Coach Ellen Baker; fifth row, Scott Way, Huey Confer, Chuck Buchanan, Dave Edwards, Paul Corneilson and Eric Corneilson. Courtesy of Penns Valley Penguins

This story initially appeared in The Centre County Gazette.

MILLHEIM — For generations of Penns Valley households, the Millheim Pool has been greater than a spot to chill off in the summertime. It has been a gathering spot, a primary job for native teenagers, a house for swimmers and a bit of neighborhood id.

Now, native leaders and volunteers are working to carry it again.

Millheim Borough Council member Robert Zeigler mentioned the pool has been drained, cleaned and stress washed as officers put together the subsequent section of restoration work.

“Right now it’s getting assessments and trying to get bids for a grant that we’re applying for,” Zeigler mentioned.

The borough plans to pursue a $250,000 grant by means of the state Department of Community and Economic Development. Zeigler mentioned the required native match of $37,500 is already secured by means of funds transferred from earlier possession and cash raised by means of neighborhood fundraising efforts.

“No tax dollars have been spent for the match,” Zeigler mentioned.

While many residents hope the pool might reopen this summer time, Zeigler mentioned that timeline stays unlikely with out a main personal donation.

“Unless we get a large donation of $100,000 or $200,000 from somebody, it’s not going to happen this year,” he mentioned. “But it looks like next year is a possibility.”

One of the largest hurdles has been discovering contractors skilled in specialised pool concrete restore.

“The main shell itself is fine,” Zeigler mentioned. “That’s not the main issue. It’s what you would see visually. To patch it properly and to fix it properly, it’s going to cost money. We wanted it to last 10 or 15 years, so we’ve got to do it proper.”

The effort has acquired sturdy neighborhood help, he mentioned.

“It’s been overall positive,” Zeigler mentioned. “Generally, the community’s been behind it.”

That help has been particularly seen by means of the Penns Valley Penguins swim group, which has taken a number one function in fundraising.

Heather House, vice chairman of the Penguins swim group, mentioned this system has been tied to the pool since its earliest days within the early Seventies.

“Our swim team in 2023 had 175 kids on it,” House mentioned.

After the pool didn’t reopen in 2025, the group relocated to the Lewistown Rec Park Pool. House mentioned participation dropped to about 60 swimmers, however households have continued making the commute.

“We’ve been commuting,” House mentioned. “That actually is pretty respectable if you think about having to drive 60 miles, 30 miles each way for practice and meets.”

She mentioned the dedication displays how a lot this system means to households.

“The parents who love swimming for their kids especially, they want their kids to be outside and active and having a little bit of structure to their days and not being on devices and getting to see friends,” House mentioned.

To assist households going through transportation challenges, the group acquired a $3,000 grant from the Centre Foundation’s Ruth Richey Fund to lease a van for swimmers this season.

“We’re trying to keep this team alive and thriving for another season to buy some more time while our pool gets fixed,” House mentioned.

For House, the lack of the pool has additionally highlighted its deeper function in neighborhood life.

“When I had three children of my own at home by myself, I needed the pool,” she mentioned. “It wasn’t just something I appreciated. I needed it for my sanity.”

She described the ability as an essential “third space” outdoors of residence and work the place neighbors naturally gathered.

“It really changes how a person experiences life in the community,” House mentioned.

Zeigler mentioned borough leaders additionally see long-term potential past reopening the pool itself, together with trails, recreation enhancements and expanded tourism alternatives on the encompassing property.

Still, restoring the pool stays the primary precedence.

“It’s truly a community gem,” Zeigler mentioned. “In rural communities, there’s not that much to really do, so having a pool is vital to that.”

Those curious about donating can go to the Penguins web site at pvpenguins.com or contribute by means of Millheim Borough.