Grant Request Meadowlane Pool
Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form
Organization Name: Meadowlane Pool
Legal Name (if Different): Meadow Lane Park Association
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 1310 Meadow Dale Drive
City: Lincoln
State: NE
Postal Code: 68505
Main Phone: 402-614-8500
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.meadowlaneparkassociation.com
Employer ID Number: 47-0321480
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3
Proposal Information
Today’s Date: 3/20/26
Requested Amount: $10,000
Project Title: The Big Splash Campaign
Project Description:
Poverty. Overstimulation. Domestic abuse.
Most people would never imagine that a swimming pool could be part of the solution.
Yet for many children and families in Lincoln, Nebraska, the reopening of Meadowlane Pool could be exactly that.
Since 1960, Meadowlane Pool has been a neighborhood gathering place where children learned to swim, teens found their first summer jobs, and families built community. After more than six decades, the aging facility was forced to close in 2023 due to infrastructure failure.
Today, the Meadowlane Park Association is leading an effort to restore and reopen the pool—not simply for recreation, but as a place of safety, healing, and opportunity.
Reopening Meadowlane Pool will provide:
• Life-saving swim lessons
Drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death among children. Meadowlane will offer affordable and scholarship-supported lessons so every child can learn this critical skill.
• Sensory-friendly swim hours
Children with autism or sensory sensitivities often struggle in traditional pool settings. Meadowlane will offer low-stimulation swim times designed to create a calm, welcoming environment.
• Supportive programming for families
Through partnerships with local organizations, including the St. Monica and St. Gianna programs, Meadowlane will offer space for families navigating difficult circumstances to experience community and stability.
Community response has been strong. The $870,000 Big Splash Campaign is now about 70% funded through support from individuals, businesses, and foundations. The project is nearing construction readiness.
In a typical season, Meadowlane Pool will serve approximately 2,500 individuals through daily access, swim lessons, and youth programming.
We believe this effort aligns closely with The Charles and Joan Hermanowski Family Foundation’s commitment to improve and transform the lives of children and young adults. We would be grateful for the opportunity to share more.
Total Project Budget: $870,000
Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Funding for the Meadowlane Pool renovation has been driven by strong local philanthropic support, including the Community Health Endowment of Lincoln, D.F. Dillon Foundation, Lincoln Community Foundation, Lincoln East Rotary Club Foundation, Union Bank & Trust, and numerous individual donors and families. This broad base of early investment reflects both the community’s belief in the project and its commitment to restoring a vital neighborhood asset. To complete the remaining funding gap, the Meadowlane Park Association is actively engaging additional partners, including Scheels, Union Pacific Foundation, Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation, Walter Scott Family Foundation, Mutual of Omaha Foundation, and the Charles and Joan Hermanowski Family Foundation.
Project Duration: The Meadowlane Park Association plans to complete major renovations during the summer and fall of 2026, with construction expected to take approximately 15–18 weeks once final funding is secured. In the months leading up to a May 2027 reopening, the focus will shift to preparing the pool to serve children and families well from the first day. This includes purchasing swim lesson materials, installing lane ropes, and hiring and training lifeguards and instructors. A gift from the Charles and Joan Hermanowski Family Foundation would support these final steps, helping ensure that children—many of whom would not otherwise have access—can safely learn to swim, build confidence, and enjoy a welcoming community space.
Geographical Area Served: Lincoln, Nebraska and families in the surrounding region who need low-stimulation, sensory-friendly swim opportunities
Age Group To Be Served: Primarily children and youth (toddlers through teenagers), with additional participation from families and seniors
Contact Information
Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Shannon
Contact Last Name: Castillo
Contact Title: Treasurer
Contact Phone: 402-614-8500
Contact Email: scastillo@chadnebraska.org