Thanks, Clinton County commissioners for dedicating $100,000 in American Rescue Plan funds to help repair the swimming pool at the Lock Haven YMCA.

Thanks, Clinton County Community Foundation for providing more than $50,000 to also help with the pool repairs.

Thanks to the City of Lock Haven, Sons and Daughters of Italy Lodge 146, M&T Charitable Foundation and Wayne Township Landfill for providing thousands more dollars and resources toward the pool.

As for donations from other organizations, businesses and individuals, you know who you are and you also care enough to sustain a valuable asset to the community — an asset that helps residents maintain their health and well-being.

As River Valley Regional YMCA CEO Chad Eberhart told all of the donors last week at an open house, “you saved the indoor swimming pool.”

When the pool was closed — and the YMCA faced a repair bill topping $300,000 — this critical institution saw a significant drop in memberships.

But more than 100 people have joined or rejoined the YMCA since the pool’s opening and monthly usage is way up.

This community-wide effort cannot be overlooked.

We also commend the River Valley Regional YMCA and its leaders for continuing to invest in the local “Y” so it can remain a place where people take care of themselves.

The Lock Haven YMCA advisory committee buckled down though and was not willing to give up without a fight.

They conducted a donor campaign to raise funds for the repairs — and the local community rose to the occasion, donating more than enough to get the pool up and running again.

LH YMCA Advisory Council Chair Ron Reynolds reminded everyone at the ceremony that the YMCA “is often known as America’s swim instructor.” That “water should be fun and not feared.”

This river community understands that.