We at Friends of Hoyt Park & Pool are saddened to share that Tashia Morgridge - one of the most important and influential people to our organization - has passed at the age of 93. Tashia and husband John Morgridge have engaged in numerous philanthropic efforts all over Wisconsin, most notably significant support of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Of all her charitable work, Tashia told FOHPP volunteers that her support of the TOSA Pool gave her the most delight.  

Tashia grew up right here in Wauwatosa. She and John both graduated from Wauwatosa East High School in 1951, with Hoyt Park and the pool playing a significant role in their summers. They later relocated to California for John’s work leading a brand-new company called Cisco Systems.

Their time in Wisconsin, and their Wauwatosa roots never left them. They started the TOSA Foundation, aptly named after their hometown. Tashia was heavily involved in its efforts, and one fateful day in 2007 was connected with a scrappy and passionate group of volunteers set on restoring the then run-down and dilapidated Hoyt Park and former County Pool. 

As the TOSA Foundation board's president, Tashia was personally committed to choosing not only worthwhile causes but also enabling a fledgling community group like Friends of Hoyt Park & Pool (FOHPP) to be successful. Besides being the lead donor for the restoration of Hoyt Park, the TOSA Foundation provided support and coaching by appointing a “donor’s rep” to ensure the success of FOHPP with expert guidance. Moreover, Tashia and John gave their own time through fundraising, the design and build process, as well as attending meetings and events for the renewal of this cornerstone community asset. 

Tashia and John Morgridge at the ribbon cutting for the grand opening of TOSA Pool in 2011

Denise Lindberg, the lead volunteer and catalyst for FOHPP, reflected fondly over her time spent with Tashia. “When I learned they named The TOSA Foundation after their hometown, it seemed like it was a ‘message from above’ to reach out,” Lindberg recalls. “I was even more surprised that after leaving a voicemail, Tashia herself called me back directly and immediately. It really illustrates how hands-on and serious Tashia was about philanthropic giving.” 

In 2011, named after their foundation, the TOSA Pool at Hoyt Park successfully opened because of Tashia and John's hands-on interest and support. One of the conditions of their gift was that they could hold their Wauwatosa High School Class of '51 60th reunion at the TOSA Pool, which FOHPP was delighted to oblige. 

Because of Tashia and John's commitment to the restoration of Hoyt Park, many others stepped forward with their support, including Tashia’s dear sister Melita. Commemorating Melita's generosity is a charming hand-painted Bike Rack sign near the TOSA Pool' s historic bathhouse showing a map of the route Tashia and John took cross country by bicycle after retirement, yet another achievement of an incredibly accomplished woman. 

Since 2007, both Tashia and John have made regular “anonymous” visits to TOSA Pool. Seeing both children and adults enjoying a sunny day at the pool and then gathering at The Landing Beer Garden brought them a great deal of happiness and satisfaction. One of Tashia's favorite recollections of her own Wauwatosa summers was from the 1940s when she would roller stake to the pool at Hoyt Park. After an afternoon of swimming with friends and flirting with boys who showed off on the high dives, she treated herself to a Twinkie before she roller skated back home. 

Tashia made an indelible mark on this community, affecting the lives of generations of Wauwatosoans. Thanks to her and John’s incredible foresight and belief in our mission, FOHPP is able to provide summer and year-round memories for children and adults of all ages. FOHPP will continue to honor her legacy through building this community – be it through a day spent at the pool, a beer shared with friends, or a quiet reflection of the beauty of the surrounding parkland.

Tashia is seen and felt in every part of FOHPP – her spirit will live on in every smile created through the incredibly generous gifts she made.  

Friends of Hoyt Park & Pool

DEDICATED TO SERVING

THE COMMUNITY

Friends of Hoyt Park & Pool started as a labor of love. The FOHPP nonprofit organization was formed in 2006 by Wauwatosa citizens who took on restoring this treasured community gathering place.

A VIBRANT, INCLUSIVE AND

FAMILY-FRIENDLY EXPERIENCE

Each summer we host over 90,000 guests from over 30 zip codes in and around Milwaukee.

TOSA Pool is a public and

inclusive space for people of all ages to swim, relax and enjoy summer.

RAISING THE

CITIZENS OF TOMORROW

Over our 15 years, FOHPP has provided hundreds of seasonal

jobs for area youth, developing customer service, management

and leadership experience which they can take with them to college and their careers.

Friends of Hoyt Park & Pool | 414-302-9160 | contactus@tosapool.com | friendsofhoytpark.org