PORT ANGELES — Organizers were elated by the support to save William Shore Memorial Pool from closing on Saturday.

An estimated 300 swimmers turned out for Save the Pool PA rescue relays, which raised about $6,000 for the troubled Port Angeles pool.

Krista Winn, Save the Pool PA chairwoman, said the goal for the fundraiser was $4,000.

“It was a great time,” Winn said.

“It exceeded our expectations.”

Beyond the monetary success, Winn said there was a “community feeling” at the pool.

People of all ages took part and cheered each other on.

“I was overwhelmed,” Winn said.

“They were all enthusiastic. It was really good feeling.”

Teams of four paid $100 to register for Saturday’s rescue relays.

There were 39 teams at the event, including senior citizens and high school relay teams, Winn said.

The Port Angeles City Council on Tuesday voted to keep the pool open until May 31 in anticipation of a special election to allow voters to consider the approval of a taxing district to fund its maintenance and operations.

Facing budget constraints, the City Council announced last September that the pool would close at the end of 2008.

The deadline was extended in December to allow Save the Pool PA to collect donations.

Save the Pool PA had raised $62,864.92 prior to the rescue relays, the largest of which was $20,000 from Delhur Industies Inc.

The pool would have closed on March 31 without those donations.

The City Council on Tuesday will vote on a resolution authorizing the funding of a special election on the formation of a Metropolitan Park District to support the pool.

The City Council will consider the resolution at 5 p.m.

The three Clallam County commissioners must approve a similar resolution.

Commissioners Mike Doherty, Steve Tharinger and Mike Chapman will discuss a resolution authorizing the county auditor to call for a special election on the formation of the park district in their work session today at 9 a.m.

Meanwhile, Save the Pool PA plans a dinner and silent auction at 5 p.m. Feb. 21 at 7 Cedars Casino.

Winn has said the group is receiving an autographed item from U.S. Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps to auction.

Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com