Fox Point Pool: Community Effort Makes a Splash in 2025

The next phase of the Fox Point Pool is underway!

One year into its campaign, Friends of the Fox Point Pool has secured $130,000 in gifts and a Tate Family Foundation grant—putting the community-led initiative well on its way to funding half of a re-imagined aquatics center, year-round gathering space, and upgraded playground.

As new signs go up and volunteers fan out to summer events, the nonprofit is cultivating individual, corporate, and grant support with hopes to reach the $2 million design threshold in time for Fox Point’s 100th birthday. And there’s been a lot of activity at the site of the former Fox Point Pool.

We talked with Kate Battle, Chair of Friends of the Fox Point Pool, on the status of the project and what residents can look forward to.

Where does the new pool initiative stand as of today?

The Friends of the Fox Point Pool -- a 501c3 non-profit tasked with raising 50% of the cost of a new aquatics facility and community gathering spot -- have been fundraising for almost 1 year (we officially began our fundraising in June of 2024) and have raised $130,000 in pledges and donations and have received one grant from the Tate Family Foundation. We are currently working to identify and build relationships with potential individual and corporate donors as well as apply to all grants, foundations and state programs that may be potential sources of funding. We are also in the process of amping up our community presence with new signs, articles in local media and attending many of the popular summer events to inform residents of the status of the pool.

What new features or amenities will the new Fox Point Pool offer families that the previous facility lacked?

Our schematic designs are a general idea of what we would like our new facility to include -- a pool that is similar in size and usage to the original Fox Point Pool and a upgraded playground similar to what we had before, but in addition, proposed plans include a 4 season community room space that would be able to host events at any time of the year. Also included in the schematic design -- a permanent outdoor seating area near the playground where food trucks could come on a rotating basis (similar to the popular food truck Fridays that the pool parking lot used to host). This would provide a pop up restaurant experience for our community.

In what ways will the new pool design prioritize accessibility and inclusivity for all community members?

The proposed new aquatics facility design would consist of two separate pools (as we had before) so that the smallest members of our community can have a separate, more shallow space to build their confidence in the water. The main pool would have a zero entry, making it easier for all members of the community, regardless of their age or physical abilities, to access the pool. 

Can you share the anticipated timeline for fundraising, construction, and the eventual opening of the new pool?

Village Board President Christine Symchych has told me that once we have reached the halfway mark on our fundraising ($2 Million) we can start designing the pool (based on our schematic designs and community input). This will allow us to determine the exact cost of the new facility (our current cost is estimated) as well as project potential construction timelines. Once the final designs for the facility are in the works, we believe that it will generate enough excitement for the project to quickly raise the rest of the needed funding. Our hope is to get to the halfway mark in 2026 when Fox Point celebrates its centennial, so that village residents can also celebrate by helping design our new pool facility.  

Beyond swimming, what other programs or community activities do you envision being hosted at the new facility?

In the past, the pool has had programming for Swim Team, Synchronized Swimming, Dive Team, Masters Swimming, Water Aerobics and swimming lessons and we hope that many or all of those can return to our new facility. We also envision the community room hosting a large variety of events -- private parties, art shows, Scout meetings, senior activities, fitness classes and many other community events. Having a designated area for food trucks with permanent seating is also something I'm excited about, as this can facilitate a 'rotating restaurant' of sorts that many Fox Point residents agree would be a good addition to the community.

Why is community involvement and support from North Shore families particularly important at this moment?

This is a pivotal moment for the North Shore. In 2026, Fox Point celebrates its 100th birthday and we have the opportunity to decide how we will shape Fox Point (and the greater community) for the next 100 years. There are few public outdoor pools left in the North Shore. Together, we can create a pool and facility that can help promote mental and physical health for our residents and strengthen bonds within our community for our generation and those to come. 

How can local families or businesses participate or support your efforts to reach the fundraising goal?

Both local businesses and individuals and families can help us reach our goal through being donors to or ambassadors of The Friends of the Fox Point Pool. We accept donations (one time or recurring monthly donation) online with our pledge form or you can mail us a donation to Friends of the Fox Point Pool, P.O. Box 170234, Milwaukee, WI 53217-4505, or email me at savefoxpointpool@gmail.com and I would be happy to discuss donations further or personally pick up donations. 

To be an ambassador, businesses can display our fliers and brochures in their store and individuals and families can talk about our fundraising efforts and plans for the Fox Point Pool with friends, neighbors and coworkers, volunteer their time and skills to help our fundraising drive, and display our new yard signs in their yard to help spread the word! We are always looking to make connections with businesses, individuals and families that can provide significant donations to help move the project forward! To learn more and volunteer, email Kate at savefoxpointpool@gmail.com

What measures will be in place to ensure the new pool’s long-term sustainability?

The Friends of the Fox Point Pool are solely a fundraising entity. The original Fox Point Pool was a part of our community for an impressive 55 years -- way outliving its planned lifespan thanks to our dedicated DPW team and Village Administration. We have faith that between the resident's input into the design process and the thoughtful planning, management and expertise of our Village administration, our new facility will be a part of our community for generations to come.

What message would you most like North Shore families to hear about this project for current and future generations?

There are so many wonderful people that live in the North Shore. This pool facility will enrich the lives of our community members by giving them a place to gather. To be outside in the fresh air. To get low impact exercise. To meet friends and neighbors. To form bonds with others in the community. To strengthen the bonds of their family. To learn new skills. To gain independence. To feel connected to society. To splash around with their kids or to feel like a kid again. I think feeling connected to one another and building community is one of the single biggest things we need to do more of in this day and age. This pool facility will be a new, exciting, central place to facilitate these community connections that are so important to our collective wellbeing.