No one could be accused of taking a leap into the deep end regarding financing for the proposed aquatic center at the Glenwood Springs Community Center. In fact, dollars have trickled in and the project hasn’t been creating much of a splash recently.Last Thursday evening, city council voted to approve the expenditure of at least some of the $750,000 originally set aside to continue final design work on the aquatic center.The decision by the council has given the proposed pool a much-needed boost. Supporters of the center have patiently been pursuing private fund-raising with some good success. More than 300 generous individuals and businesses have made a monetary commitment.The aquatic center is estimated to cost $3.2 million. The 11,000-square-foot building would feature a swimming pool, leisure pool, jacuzzi and offices. The center would be an addition to the current Glenwood Springs Community Center, which has basketball courts, a fitness area, locker rooms and meeting rooms. The community center is spacious and attractively designed. Large windows provide a bright environment. Outside, there is an ice rink that receives extensive use in the wintertime.If and when the community center and the proposed aquatic facility shall meet, the union will be a beneficial one for the residents of Glenwood Springs and the surrounding communities.The council’s decision to allocate some funding now was tied to a self-imposed June deadline. Council has also toyed with the idea of disbursing additional dollars to the center, at least another $750,000, if and when it moves forward on the COPs funding for the proposed golf course, et al. The pool people would be thrilled, but there’s more discussion to come on COPs. Aquatic fans shouldn’t do a back flip over these dollars quite yet.Meanwhile, the hard-working folks with LAP – Let’s All Pledge to the Glenwood Springs Aquatic Center – are moving full steam ahead. They have raised $1,072,000, in addition to city dollars.A community party, entitled the “Kids of 1953’s Birthday Bash & Splash,” is scheduled to be held at the community center on Friday, May 30, from 7-11 p.m. There will be music, food and drinks and the entire family is welcome. Guests will be invited to make a donation or pledge.It’s your chance to dive in and help make the aquatic center a reality. Depending on the incoming tide of donations, opening is slated for Memorial Day, 2004.