New Pool Proposed for Dike, Committee Builds Momentum

It’s been a hot summer and many residents in Dike have missed access to the local pool. Due to infrastructure and safety concerns, the pool is closed indefinitely and has not been open since summer of 2023. A group of enthusiastic residents have started a grassroots effort to rectify the situation and bring a new pool to Dike.

Pool committee chairperson Juli Kopriva provides insight on the “why” behind the effort. “A new swimming pool is an investment in the future of Dike,” she says. “Our community has been built around recreational amenities that attract people who want to live near the Cedar Valley; a pool is an important part of this.”

She goes on to explain the importance of building a place that will leave a lasting impact.

“This is about bringing back a place where children can learn valuable water-safety skills, adults can exercise, families can gather and a place accessible to kids who can ride their bikes to it on a warm afternoon. A new pool will benefit generations to come and increase Dike’s appeal as a desirable place to live and raise a family. I hope our community will come together and support this project, because when we invest in our kids and in our community, we are investing in the future of Dike.”

In July, the Dike City Council voted unanimously to put a $1.5M bond supporting the project on the November 3 ballot giving community members the opportunity to vote on the item. In addition, the Hemmen and Kruger Families have each generously pledged $750,000 toward the project to kickstart fundraising efforts.

“We are taking a three-pronged approach to fundraising,” Kopriva says. “Gaining approval of the bond, securing local and state grant money, and collecting donations are our priorities. In total we believe we will need to raise a combined $5M.”

Impact Dike Foundation, a 501(c)(3), will facilitate tax-deductible donations, she explains.

The plan is to build on the original pool footprint and include a zero-depth entry, regulation-length swim lanes, a shaded lounge area, an updated bath house and pool entry, and it will meet ADA compliance regulations. Additional amenities such as a diving board and slide may be considered based on fundraising.

With the bond vote coming up this fall, the committee is working to spread the word and encourage community members to get out and vote yes on November 3. A 60% majority vote is needed for the issue to pass. For those who are not able to vote in person, absentee ballots can be requested beginning August 25 – allowing you to still make your vote count.

If you have questions about the project or are interested in helping with fundraising and/or grant writing efforts – reach out to dikepoolproject@gmail.com or visit dikepool.org for more information. The committee also encourages people to find the Making Waves in Dike Facebook page and follow along for updates.