Community members are getting close to reaching their fundraising goal to keep both Renton-area pools open.

As of April 1, the group has raised nearly $30,000.

The initial target amount presented by the district was $60,000 needed to bridge the gap between pool operating costs and income from pool rentals and swim fees. The effort to raise funds has come from individuals, groups, businesses and swim clubs.

Along with raising funds, the community group, working with district pool managers, has conducted a cost comparison analysis of pool usage fees for individual swimmers, swim classes, and swim clubs with those from other public and private pools. The group believes that pool users are amenable to a slight increase in pool usage fees, thus reducing the amount needed to be raised by the community to keep pools open. The district is reviewing the proposal.

For more information on how to get involved visit the Renton Pools Community’s Facebook page or to donate funds online, visit https://www.rentonschools.us/touchbase/products-main.aspx, enter as a guest, click on School Shop, and scroll down to “Renton Pool Donations.”