08/13/2026
Not just end of a season, but end of an era for us ❤️. A total of 24 years of combined Platte Area Pool experience for Karsen Sondgeroth, Melanie Sondgeroth, and Jamie Nelson.
Dear Platte Area Pool Patrons,
As this summer comes to a close, so does an incredibly special chapter in my life. After 6 years of the Platte Area Fundraising Committee and the last 10 wonderful years of managing our local swimming pool, this was my final season.
It is difficult to put into words how grateful I am for the support, kindness, and trust this community has shown me over the past decade. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of caring for your children, teaching them to swim, watching them grow in confidence, and providing a place where families could come together to make lasting memories.
When our new pool opened, I was honored to be a part of building something that has become such an important gathering place for not just our community, but the surrounding area. From swimming lessons, water aerobics and pool parties to long hot summer afternoons filled with laughter, every season has brought memories that I will cherish forever.
To the parents who entrusted me and my staff with your children, THANK YOU! Your confidence in us meant more than you know. This pool has always been about so much more than swimming-it has been about creating a safe, welcoming place where everyone felt like they belonged.
To my lifeguard staff, past and present, over the last ten years: thank you from the bottom of my heart for your professionalism, dedication, and service. You have each played such an important role in making our pool a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable place. I am incredibly grateful for the countless hours you have spent watching over swimmers, helping others, handling responsibilities with maturity, and representing our pool with such pride. It has been an honor to work alongside so many hardworking and dependable young people, and I will always cherish the memories we have made together. Thank you for trusting me, supporting one another, and giving your time and energy to something that means so much to me and our community. I couldn’t have asked for a better staff over these past ten years, and I am so proud of each and every one of you.
As I step away, I do so with a heart full of gratitude. Serving this community has truly been one of the greatest honors. Thank you for making the last 10 years so meaningful. I am excited to see the pool continue to thrive for many summers to come, and I will always be cheering it on from the sidelines❤️
With sincere gratitude,
Mel Sondgeroth
