Dart Foundation - In the News - Leola Community Pool

Dart Donation Makes Splash in Leola Pool Fund

by Justin Stoltzfus/Lancaster New Era

Upper Leacock Township supervisors last week got a boost in their efforts to fund repairs for the Leola community pool.

At the township’s meeting Thursday, Clarence Wenger, a representative of Dart Container Co., hand-delivered a check to the township for $12,500, half of a two-year donation totaling $25,000. The second half is to be paid next spring.

The gift is a grant from the Dart Foundation, an organization set up by the Dart family, founders of the Leola company.

Wenger said on Friday the grant is part of a larger program to help the community that Dart is part of. Wenger estimated the Leola facility employs 1,700 area residents, making it one of the largest employers locally.

He said owner W.A. Dart and his wife Claire set up the Dart Foundation in 1984. Since then, it has made several donations to Upper Leacock, including funds for computer purchases for the Leola Library and annual funding for the fire department.

Supervisor Richard Heilig said the new donation will be instrumental in fixing cracks in the pool.

Heilig said after hiring geology engineers to assess drainage problems, the township found there is no sinkhole affecting the pool – it’s just worn out.

Heilig and other board members were appreciative of the funds, saying it will help ease the effect of the unexpected costs on the township budget.

Township manager Michael Morris said Dart’s contribution is the first by any local company, though money is sorely needed for the ongoing work.

He put final total costs for the repairs above $500,000.

Morris hopes Dart’s generosity will spur additional donations from other businesses. He has asked any potential donors to contact the township at 656–9755.