RELEASE DATE: July 29, 2020 — The Great Falls High School swimming pool locker rooms got a much-needed renovation this summer, while the pool was closed due to the pandemic. The upgrades were made possible by an anonymous donation of $20,000, which was matched by the school district.
“This donation means all of our boys’ and girls’ shower towers work, and we were able to re-plumb the swimsuit dryers in the locker rooms,” said Bob Stingley, pool manager. “Everything is fully functional and it will help get swimmers in and out quicker.”
Stingley, who has taught swimming for 19 years, said the 
pool and locker rooms are heavily used by both CMR and GFH swim teams, the local Rapids swim teams and public swimmers who take advantage of the pool for swim lessons, water aerobics and lap swimming. All GFH freshmen and sophomores take swimming as a part of their P.E. curriculum.
Aside from the plumbing work, the school’s custodial crew also painted the spectator balcony area. Stingley hopes the improvements will solidify Great Falls’ chance to host the state high school swim meet every year. Great Falls currently is host about every other year.
“This pool facility upgrade is an economic boost for the community.” Said Dave Crum, Great Falls Public Schools Foundation Executive Director. “We couldn’t do what we do without the generosity of our donors.”
This donation brings the Foundation’s total facility enhancement donations over the last three years to $3.7 million. Many gifts for facility enhancements are given by local families and businesses that want to leave a lasting legacy in support of our students and community.