Glidden Aquatic Center Undergoing Major Maintenance Project

City hosts spaghetti supper fundraiser to help cover nearly $178,000 in costs

Mar. 11, 2026 at 3:40am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The City of Glidden, Iowa is undertaking a significant maintenance project for the Glidden Aquatic Center, which is 20 years old. The project will include sandblasting and repainting the entire pool, costing over $63,000. The city is hosting a spaghetti supper fundraiser to help offset the nearly $178,000 total cost of the project.

Why it matters

The Glidden Aquatic Center is an important community asset, providing recreational opportunities for residents. Maintaining and upgrading aging infrastructure is crucial to ensuring the pool can continue operating safely and serving the community for years to come.

The details

Last year, the city council allocated Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) funds to cover the expenses for the sandblasting and repainting project. This year, the council has again allocated LOST funds and is seeking grant funding to help financially. Any additional funds raised through the spaghetti supper fundraiser will allow the city to utilize more LOST funds for other projects, such as a flag at the Freedom Rock and new play equipment at the City Park.

  • The maintenance work will begin in the next few weeks.
  • The project is scheduled to be completed in time for the opening of the pool for the 2026 summer season.

The players

Brooke Peterson

City Administrator of Glidden, Iowa.

Glidden City Council

Allocated Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) funds to cover expenses for the Aquatic Center maintenance project.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The life expectancy of a pool is approximately 20 years and that is how old the Glidden Aquatic Center is.”

— Brooke Peterson, City Administrator

“Any grant funding and donations received for the aquatic center will allow for more LOST funds to be utilized elsewhere, such as a flag at the Freedom Rock and new play equipment at the City Park.”

— Brooke Peterson, City Administrator

What’s next

The spaghetti supper fundraiser is being held at the Kruger Shelter House from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. to assist in raising any additional money needed for the project.

The takeaway

Maintaining aging community infrastructure like the Glidden Aquatic Center requires significant investment, but is crucial to ensuring these important assets can continue serving residents. The city's proactive approach to fundraising and utilizing various funding sources demonstrates its commitment to preserving this valued recreational facility.