After months of hard work, fundraising, planning and countless people coming together with one shared goal, families can once again enjoy a summer at the Little Falls Pool. There couldn’t be better timing.

More than 150 donors contributed $118,538 in just four months, making it possible for the Francis Skinner Municipal Pool to open officially for the 2026 season on July 6, according to local officials.

Earlier this year, uncertainty surrounding the cost of operating the pool prompted residents to contact Herkimer Next, Inc. (Next). In partnership with the City of Little Falls, Next served as fiscal sponsor for a community fundraising campaign supporting pool operations and a facility assessment.

Contributions came from current and former Little Falls residents, many now living across the country, as well as local businesses and charitable foundations, demonstrating the lasting connection people have to their hometown, according to project officials.

“To every person who donated, shared our campaign, volunteered, encouraged others, or simply believed this could happen… THANK YOU! Your generosity made a real difference. We were especially touched by the outpouring of support from Little Falls Alumni across the country who stepped forward to help preserve a place filled with childhood memories for future generations,” said Next Executive Director Michele Hummel, “We believe strong communities are built by connecting people, resources and opportunities.”

“We’re grateful to Mayor Deborah Kaufman, the City team, the Little Falls Historical Society and Museum for hosting the campaign’s fundraising thermometer, and every donor and partner who helped make this possible,” Hummel said. “This campaign showed that when a community comes together around something it values, remarkable things can happen.”

This project is a reminder that the best things happen when government, nonprofits, businesses, alumni and residents work together. No one person or organization accomplished this alone. It took an entire community choosing to invest in its future.

This is what collaboration looks like.

This is what community looks like.

Whether you’re celebrating from Little Falls or cheering us on from across the country, know that your support helped write this next chapter. Every child who jumps into the pool this summer will be enjoying something that all of you helped make possible.

Want to plan a visit?

The Francis Skinner Municipal Pool, located on Burch Street, is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 

The pool welcomes approximately 75 to 100 visitors each day, making it an important resource for recreation, nutrition, and community connection, officials said.

Lifeguards are on duty during all operating hours.