Historic Pool Hosts GoFundMe To Recover From Vandalism

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — The Ferry Farm Pool in Fredericksburg was vandalized last weekend. Now, as authorities look for information about possible suspects, a GoFundMe campaign intends to help the pool recover.

On Saturday, authorities were called to the pool at 11 Mercer Lane to investigate the vandalism. There, deputies found substantial damage in the pump rooms and bathrooms, according to a Facebook post from the Stafford County Sheriff's Office.

Red paint was poured in the pump rooms, and deputies noted that pipes had been smashed with a hammer. In the bathrooms, authorities described toilets and sinks pulled out of the walls. The partitions between stalls had also been ripped to the ground, according to the sheriff's office.

"I've never seen such destruction as I was greeted with today," the pool's president Scott Montrief wrote on Facebook on Saturday.

Photos posted on the pool's Facebook page showed toilets were smashed to bits, and the pool had been filled with furniture. Cones, lounge chairs, and hoses were tossed to the bottom of the pool.

"I've lived in this area for nearly 45 years, and never been so upset as I was this morning.," Montreif wrote. "Ferry Farm swimming pool has not just been a community pool to me, but more like family."

Within hours, a GoFundMe was established, titled "Save the Ferry Farm Pool." The pool intended to raise $20,000 to make up for the weekend's damages. On Tuesday, the pool had raised more than $15,000 from 194 donors.

"Somebody tried to destroy us last night, but I believe they failed." Montrief said. "We have had a huge outcry of support by our local community."

Shaun Harper, who described himself as a service plumber, took to the pool's Facebook page to offer his assistance. "I would be happy to volunteer my service if you supply the parts," Harper commented on the pool's original post. "No one deserves this."

On Saturday, May 22, the pool will host a fundraising event at the Highmark Brewery in Fredericksburg. The brewery has agreed to donate a portion of the proceeds from the event to support the pool's recovery. The event will start at 3 p.m.

Anyone with information about the vandalism is encouraged to contact the Stafford County Sheriff's Office at 540-658-4400. Tips can also be submitted by texting "STAFFORD" and the tip to 274-637.

The pool still plans to open in time for Memorial Day.

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