The City of Fredericksburg held a dedication celebration for the Doris E. Buffett Pool at Dixon Park on September 26, 2016.
City Council voted unanimously this summer to name the pool in honor of the philanthropist, whose donations have provided free admission for city residents since its opening in 2006.
Ms. Buffett was not able to attend the celebration, due to illness. Her assistant and longtime friend Linda Ricker Martin accepted the accolades in her stead.
“I remember driving with Doris past Dixon Pool many times, and her face would light up seeing and hearing the sounds of the neighborhood kids splashing and playing and having fun,” Ricker Martin said. “Of all the things that could be named in Doris’ honor, the pool is most fitting. She loves children and loves that generations of them will grow up making memories enjoying the pool.”
“When Doris asked me to accept this honor on her behalf, she asked me to tell you how much she appreciates the gesture, and regrets not being here to do so herself. She also said that though she resides in Boston now, Fredericksburg will always hold a special place in her heart.”
Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw told those gathered they were celebrating one of Fredericksburg’s “finest engaged citizens.”
“Ms. Buffett has helped this community in so many tangible and intangible ways, from her distinguished presence, to her contributions to many causes, to her gentle encouragement of others to be and to give more,” Greenlaw said. “We gather here today to give our thanks to her for all that she has done, and specifically today to honor her for her generosity in making this pool accessible to all.”
Also speaking at the celebration were Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities Director Jane Shelhorse, and Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation Commission member Marcus Tempaske.
Before the pool opened, Buffett contacted the city to say she’d like to donate to eliminate admission fees for residents, thus ensuring everyone would have access to the facility. During the pool’s first decade, Buffett contributed $500,000.
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City Pool Renamed in Honor of Philanthropist Doris Buffett
