A new pavilion isn’t the only upgrade in the works at Baer Memorial Swimming Pool in Lehighton.

Thanks to the generosity of several organizations, a new stainless steel grill was recently purchased to give Lehighton Pool Pals extra motivation to complete the pavilion.

Mark Hoffman, chairman of the Lehighton Pool Pals, said that once the COVID-19 virus struck, the group curtailed its fundraising efforts and didn’t have any formal meetings March through June.

Hoffman said the group met informally at the pool in June and July to implement social distancing, and that it was at the July meeting where discussion was struck on how to provide more shade at the pool.

“There are many patrons of the pool that love the sun and enjoy laying out in it; however, there are also those that look for a place to escape the rays of the sun,” Hoffman said. “This is not the first time we have discussed shade options; however, perhaps based on COVID (and) the hot summer, this was the year we made the decision to stop talking and move forward with a new pavilion.”

Hoffman said the new pavilion will accomplish the goal of not only providing shade, but also give the pool an opportunity to make a few extra dollars when renting it out to parties.

“The other reason I really liked the pavilion idea is it gave the Pool Pals a tangible goal to accomplish,” he said. “Our group works best when we have a goal in front of us providing us with the motivation to achieve it.”

Tom Evans, borough recreation director, said the plan is to build another pavilion in the west end of the pool.

As for the new grill, Evans said it will be located by the pavilion, which he hopes to have ready by opening day next year.

Hoffman said that Sue Lovejoy, a Pool Pal member who is also a financial adviser with Thrivent Financial, suggested the group apply for a Community Impact Card with a value of $250.

“Thrivent Financial is a very community-minded organization,” he said. “The initial reason for applying for the Community Impact Card was to help with the costs of the food for the picnic; however, when we learned that Tom was going to provide the hot dogs and hamburgers for the picnic, we decided to have each Pool Pal member bring a side dish, allowing us to use the full $250 toward a new grill.”

Hoffman said he approached the manager of Lowe’s with the idea of the grill for the new pavilion. In turn, he said Lowe’s was very generous and agreed to cover the remaining cost of the $549 stainless steel grill.

Lehighton Pool Pals on Wednesday treated the pool employees to the “end of summer” picnic.

“The picnic was just a small token of appreciation to the unique summer the employees all had, and the extra efforts they all took keeping everyone safe,” he said. “And at the same time, providing a place for members of our community to keep cool during this very hot summer.”