Hefko Pool, a Marshfield tradition…
Marshfield (OnFocus) – (This Article originally appeared on EXPLORE in May 2016. Earlier this week, the City of Marshfield Common Council voted to not open the pool this year, but rather focus on constructing the new facility.)
Since its grand opening in 1934, Hefko Pool in Marshfield has been a popular spot on warm summer days. SEE EXPLORE’S FULL SERIES ON HEFKO – CLICK HERE!
Commissioned by Mayor Ted Hefko during the height of the Great Depression years, Hefko obtained funds through the Federal Government’s WPA program to construct a much-needed swimming pool in Marshfield. At the time, Marshfield was the largest City in the state not located on a body of water.
Originally scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend, a severe drought delayed the debut until August 1, and started with just four lifeguards paid 35 cents/hour.
From those early days to today, Hefko has been a summer staple in most any Marshfield childhood.
Chuck Adamski, Certified Pool Operator for Marshfield Parks & Recreation, has assisted with pool maintenance for 8 years. On a humid day in late May, he and his crew could be found getting everything ready for an early June opening date.
“There is a lot of upkeep- patching that has to be done, painting, sanitizing all of the decks, pressure-washing, cleaning the bathrooms, and keeping the plumbing going,” he said.
A 16-18 hour process to fill the more than 360,000-gallon capacity pool, there is much work to do before the first splash, but all of that work is worth it when the swimmers arrive.
“I enjoy watching the little kids splash around in the baby pool and it’s fun meeting the people,” said Adamski. “I think everyone enjoys an outdoor pool. During the summer, it seems like everybody wants to be outside and it’s kind of fun way to cool off.”
Historic Information from “The Marshfield Story: 1872-1997”
Marshfield History Project. The Marshfield Story: 1872-1997. Amherst, WI: Palmer Publications, Inc, 1997. 169. Print.
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Author: Breanna Butler
Breanna Butler is an award-winning multimedia producer born and raised in Central Wisconsin. She enjoys exploring and writing about the community. She lives in Marshfield with her husband and furry family.
