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City changing idea? Campaign to build Houston its own perfect swimming hole picks up steam
It may sound like a chilly idea right now, but when Houston's temps start to rise again — and keep on rising — it sounds like a great idea.
Houston Needs a Swimming Hole!
Yep, that's what social and business entrepreneurs Monte Large, Evan O'Neil and Jeff Kaplan are proposing in a newly launched Kickstarter campaign geared around developing a natural and beautiful public swimming spot in the Bayou City.
The guys are already creating positive waves with support for the swimming pond from civic leaders and organizations, including the Buffalo Bayou Partnership, the Greater East End District, the city of Houston Sustainability Office and the Shell Center for Sustainability at Rice University.
Sherwood Design Engineers, an international engineering firm with expertise in water, parts and urban spaces, just took the plunge to join the effort to take the first step: Compile a feasibility study for the nonprofit venture.
Once the ideal location is secured, the plan is to start a capital campaign to raise funds for construction.
The initial "Houston Needs a Swimming Hole!" Kickstarter project establishes a $30,000 goal, to be funded only if that entire amount is pledged by 5 p.m. Jan. 9.
Take a look at the video, and decide for yourself if Houston needs a public place to cool its heels.