Millheim rallies to resurrect beloved swimming pool
MILLHEIM — For generations of Penns Valley families, the Millheim Pool has been more than a place to cool off in the summer. It has been a gathering spot, a first job for local teens, a home for swimmers and a piece of community identity.
Now, local leaders and volunteers are working to bring it back.
Millheim Borough Council member Robert Zigler said the pool has been drained, cleaned and pressure washed as officials prepare the next phase of restoration work.
“Right now it’s getting assessments and trying to get bids for a grant that we’re applying for,” Zigler said.
The borough plans to pursue a $250,000 grant through the state Dept. of Community and Economic Development. Zigler said the required local match of $37,500 is already secured through funds transferred from previous ownership and money raised through community fundraising efforts.
“No tax dollars have been spent for the match,” Zigler said.
While many residents hope the pool could reopen this summer, Zigler said that timeline remains unlikely without a major private donation.
“Unless we get a large donation of $100,000 or $200,000 from somebody, it’s not going to happen this year,” he said. “But it looks like next year is a possibility.”
One of the biggest hurdles has been finding contractors experienced in specialized pool concrete repair.
“The main shell itself is fine,” Zigler said. “That’s not the main issue. It’s what you would see visually. To patch it properly and to fix it properly, it’s going to cost money. We wanted it to last 10 or 15 years, so we’ve got to do it proper.”
The effort has received strong community support, he said.
“It’s been overall positive,” Zigler said. “Generally, the community’s been behind it.”
That support has been especially visible through the Penn Valley Penguins swim team, which has taken a leading role in fundraising.
Heather House, vice president of the Penguins swim team, said the program has been tied to the pool since its earliest days in the early 1970s.
“Our swim team in 2023 had 175 kids on it,” House said.
After the pool did not reopen in 2025, the team relocated to the Lewistown Rec Park Pool. House said participation dropped to about 60 swimmers, but families have continued making the commute.
“We’ve been commuting,” House said. “That actually is pretty respectable if you think about having to drive 60 miles, 30 miles each way for practice and meets.”
She said the commitment reflects how much the program means to families.
“The parents who love swimming for their kids especially, they want their kids to be outside and active and having a little bit of structure to their days and not being on devices and getting to see friends,” House said.
To help families facing transportation challenges, the team received a $3,000 grant from the Centre Foundation’s Ruth Richey Fund to rent a van for swimmers this season.
“We’re trying to keep this team alive and thriving for another season to buy some more time while our pool gets fixed,” House said.
For House, the loss of the pool has also highlighted its deeper role in community life.
“When I had three children of my own at home by myself, I needed the pool,” she said. “It wasn’t just something I appreciated. I needed it for my sanity.”
She described the facility as an important “third space” outside of home and work where neighbors naturally gathered.
“It really changes how a person experiences life in the community,” House said.
Zigler said borough leaders also see long-term potential beyond reopening the pool itself, including trails, recreation improvements and expanded tourism opportunities on the surrounding property.
Still, restoring the pool remains the first priority.
“It’s truly a community gem,” Zigler said. “In rural communities, there’s not that much to really do, so having a pool is vital to that.”
Those interested in donating can visit the Penguins website at pvpenguins.com or contribute through Millheim Borough.
