Since the early 1980s, locals in the Wet Mountain Valley region have been interested in building an indoor community pool. Many ideas were put forward, and the former Custer County Chamber of Commerce went so far as to create a committee that tried mightily to get a grant for a pool or rec center. However, because of the high price and low population, the project remained a dream.
On November 21, Jerry Seifert and members of his family attended a dedication ceremony at Altitude Community Fitness to honor the late Mary Seifert’s contributions to realizing the multi-decade community dream of building a pool, which was finally built in 2005 after massive contributions by the Seiferts. During the ceremony, the pool was named in Mary’s honor as the “Seifert Swim Center.”
Nearly 20 years later, Altitude Community Fitness continues to operate with a membership of 725 and with the same membership fees charged in 2009. Deferred maintenance and upgrades have cost $215,000 in the last two years. This included a new pool boiler, new flooring, new solar panels, an automated pool chemical feeder, and new cardio equipment. Another $145,000 in repairs is pending. This needed work includes resurfacing the pool, replacing the pool filter, installing a dehumidifier, and replacing rusted walls in the pool area. However, the board has continued to work on current maintenance and is planning for the future.
In a statement sent to the Tribune, Altitude Community Fitness President Andrew Bolton said, “We salute the commitment of the Seifert to this family facility in Custer County. Without their financial support, hard work, and commitment, this community facility would be non-existent.”
For more information on the fantastic options Altitude Community Fitness provides, please visit the location at 50 E. Main Street in Silver Cliff or online at www.altitudecommunityfitness.org.
– Jordan Hedberg