Summer memories are often made at the local pool—the laughter, splashing, and time spent with friends and family. For many in Marshfield, that experience is a beloved rite of passage. But for some families in our community, the cost of admission creates a barrier to those carefree memories.
“I remember a boy who told us it was his first time at a pool. He was beaming all afternoon. His mom said it was the first fun thing they’d done together in a long time. Stories like that might seem small, but they’re powerful reminders of why this work matters.” – Amanda Bruce, Recreation Manager, City of Marshfield Parks & Recreation Department.
Ashley Winch, Executive Director at Marshfield Area United Way, recalled children arriving in swimsuits to pick up their passes, their excitement impossible to contain. She continued, “Being able to see the kids that you’re helping, and knowing that they’re off to simply enjoy being a kid. Really, that makes it all worthwhile.”
The Marshfield Area Community Foundation, United Way, and Marshfield Parks and Recreation collaborate to eliminate this barrier. Their shared vision: every child, regardless of circumstance, should have the chance to enjoy the pool during the summer months. With generous donor support and thoughtful partnerships, that vision is actively carried forward and continually evolving.
This summer, families enrolled in the NOW program received a bundle that included five pool day passes and three food vouchers. This addition of a concessions meal ensured that kids weren’t just able to swim, but also had access to a healthy meal to fuel their fun.
“We connect donors of interest to this program to ensure the cause continues. We’re also an administrative partner to Parks and Recreation, keeping a tally of the pool passes that come through each year. My favorite summer pool story? A day when Parks and Rec staff brought over a little bag with this meal ticket that was just in shreds. A kid had gone swimming with it in his trunks. He had to submit his little crumbled-up food pass at the concession stand, and they redeemed it for him, and then we were able to count it. Obviously, as intended, he was having a good time,” recalled Kaelie Gomez, Executive Director, Marshfield Area Community Foundation.
With the addition of food vouchers, children who spend a full day swimming don’t have to worry about going hungry. In fact, the partnership inspired the installation of a Little Free Pantry near Wildwood Pavilion, offering another layer of support to families nearby.
“Little Free Pantries are a manageable and tangible way to help address food insecurity in Marshfield, and create community through neighborhood engagement. It is not meant to address an ongoing need, but rather to offer direct and immediate relief. LFP’s may be a lifeline for those who need help to stretch until their next paycheck, or anyone who is struggling at the moment.” – Jackie Fassler, Little Free Pantries
These layers of support highlight what’s best about community partnerships: when one effort sparks another, the impact multiplies.
“This is a multifaceted way that we can encourage outdoor play, physical activity, and full bellies. We all know that’s important–we’re committed to helping kids live healthier lives.” – Kaelie Gomez, Executive Director, Marshfield Area Community Foundation
Beyond the fun, the Pool Pass program reflects a deeper mission: children living vibrantly. By giving them opportunities to be active outdoors, connect with peers face-to-face, and enjoy a meal, the program nurtures both body and spirit. It’s more than swimming—it’s childhood memories, strengthening community connections, and making sure kids have what they need to thrive.
If you feel inspired to support this initiative and help keep the Pool Pass program going strong, or if you have a new idea about how we can help kids live healthier lives in our community reach out to:
Marshfield Area Community Foundation: info@marshfield.foundation
Marshfield Area United Way: info@marshfieldareaunitedway.org
Marshfield Area Parks & Recreation: amanda.bruce@ci.marshfield.wi.us