Years ago, youngsters of all ages always seemed to find time to cool off in a water tank or swimming hole during Manning's hot, humid summers. Swim suits could be rented at Radeleff's pond (originally east of the airport) even before 1900, and also at the Great Western Park, a popular summer resort. Another popular place was the Canary Island area of the Nishnabotna River. Others used the muddy creeks or farm ponds which were not known for their environmental purity and so occasional infections or fevers occurred.

As early as 1925 a movement began to build a municipal swimming pool in Manning. The first proposal was a 120 by 60 foot oval pool to be located in the city park. The Manning Chamber of Commerce and American Legion announced plans for the pool in the March 19, 1925 Monitor, noting that it would include a sanitary filtering system and that the high grade concrete pool could be used for ice skating in the winter.

The pool committee consisted of Harry Hinz, president; Dr. J.J. Sinn, vice-president; P.F. Hansen, secretary-treasurer, and G.A. Rober, John Frahm, John Lewis, and H.A. Schelldorf. After much time was spent in careful deliberations over plans and funding, and various trips taken to pools in operation, time passed until the signs of a recession became evident. Anxiety over the future slowed things down and soon we were experiencing those unforgettable days now termed the Great Depression. The pool was not built.

Ten years passed. New support began to appear for a swimming pool. By September, 1936, the plans began to formulate, as described in the Monitor:

Manning may soon have a nice, big modern swimming pool and a complete playground layout including a football gridiron, baseball field, tennis courts and croquet courts, for such is the trend of thought of those leading the various town organizations.

Committees representing the American Legion, Fire Department, Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, City Council, and Park Commissioners have met to discuss plans for the project, and plans for the project are to be drawn up without delay.

It is planned to construct the project in connection with the W.P.A. in order to take advantage of such federal funds as may be available and to use all W.P.A. labor possible during the coming months. All W.P.A. labor is furnished without direct cost locally.

The need of playground facilities and for a swimming pool has long been felt by businessmen and residents of the town. A project of this type will make the town more attractive both as a place to live and as a place to enjoy recreational features. It would provide playgrounds for our boys and girls during the warm months of the year. A permanent athletic field for both town and high school athletic organizations would be provided. Another distinct advantage would be that people could enjoy in their own home town what they must now drive elsewhere to find.

Present plans are to build the proposed playgrounds at the west end of the city park between Highway 46 and the N.W. railroad right of way.

November 16, 1936, the issue was brought before the Manning voters, and passed by a four to one margin. Representatives were sent to inspect various pools and to get an idea of the costs involved. It has been said that an inspection trip included a visit to Minnesota to one of the most elaborate and costly pools built in that area; this resulted in a rather disheartening report and the movement died a very quiet death.

Another 20 years passed. Manning's mayor Joe Loucks was determined to get things accomplished when the city council received a petition signed by 273 residents requesting a vote on a pool. The petition was presented July 5, 1956, requesting an expenditure of $50,000. City attorney Erwin Hansen was in Washington, D.C. at that time so the council appointed attorney Richard Crandall to investigate various sites and gain options, if possible, for the location of a pool. An option was secured from Gerhardt Voge at the present site and on August 9, 1956

Manning voters endorsed the construction of a pool by a three to one margin. Eight hundred and eighty-eight votes were cast, 656 yes, 217 no, 15 spoiled ballots. Youngsters did their share to help promote the cause on the day of election by parading through town in their swim suits shouting, "We want a pool!" Which also proves that demonstrations are not a new idea.

Bonds were sold March, 1957 for a term of 20 years at 3.41 percent interest. Contract was let in April to Haubrich Construction of Mapleton and the pool was opened on May 1958.

Gene Rostermundt was the first manager, Ray Fink, assistant manager, and lifeguards were Carl Saunders and Karen Rix, all of whom had their Red Cross lifesaving certificates.

The first pool Board appointed by the council was Denver Haase, chairman, and Dr. R.R. Dappen and Art Rix.

For the past 22 years Manning residents have enjoyed recreational swimming and special activities such as Family Night and Nite Owl (late night) swims.

Red Cross swimming lessons and lifesaving courses have been taught every year at the pool.

Swim team competition has experienced tremendous success with Manning perennially being one of the powerhouses in the Western Iowa Swim Conference.

In 1974, when the new high school was built, the old gym seemed to emerge as a place for community recreational activities.

In 1974-1975, the Jaycees took on the responsibility of opening the gym on weekends for kids, and the Jaycees were allowed to use the gym one night a week, in agreement with school administrators. Basketball seemed to be the main attraction during this time, although volleyball teams also enjoyed several pleasure-filled evenings.

Adult education classes were held in the old gym several times throughout 1975-1976. The Des Moines Area Community College offered several types of night classes.

In 1976-1977, the Jaycees again were allowed to use the gym based on the same agreement mentioned before.

About this time (1977) the idea of turning the old gym into a recreation center came up. A committee was formed and possibilities were to be investigated.

The school and the city entered into a temporary lease agreement on a trial basis to see if such an idea was feasible. A director was hired and several activities were planned and organized.

Eventually, volunteer help was used to continue these activities effectively and efficiently. David A. Kusel, for instance, has been a faithful volunteer worker since the Center's start. It was also decided at this time to use the name Manning Community Center so as to encompass all aspects of community recreation and social activities.

In 1979, the board members of the Community Center, including: Barry Kusel-president, Mrs. Jean Wiese-secretary, David Rauch, Wm. F. Ohde, Rick Lohrmann, Rexanne and Curt Struve, and Warren Puck, decided to hire a full time director to oversee all operations and programs of the Community Center. In September, 1979, Kent Rutz began duties as the director. A new lease agreement for one year was secured between the city and school.

Presently the Community Center offers many different types of recreational activities including: men's basketball (nine teams), ladies volleyball and fitness night, weightlifting (weight machine purchased through contributions of businesses and individuals), jogging, ping pong, indoor tennis, ice skating, pool table and pinball games, shuffleboard and exercise bike (for senior citizens), pee wee flag football (5th and 6th grade boys and girls), pee wee basketball, special events -- such as "Fun Night", bike rides, kite flys, tennis and ping pong tournaments, little league baseball and softball (summer), swimming pool and swim team in the summer.

It is hopeful that someday the present Community Center could be expanded to include a new indoor pool, senior citizen center, library, and new locker rooms, showers, and activities room.

When the Manning Community Center was started, a gift of $50,000 was given to the community from the L.R. Nelson Charitable Trust Fund, to be used for recreational facilities. This was a way the Nelson family expressed their appreciation to the community in helping to make their business grow. The Nelson family later sold the Manning firm, which has continued the Nelson name.