The retired East Taieri farmer and founder of J Tee's golf and function centre said he wanted to give something back to the community he was born into, and spent most of his life in.
Another reason for the donation was a close call he had in the Mosgiel Pool when he was younger.
If not for the quick thinking of his friends, Mr Stevenson said he would have drowned in the pool.
``I got into a bit of trouble and thought I was gone, but my friends eventually caught on I was in trouble and wasn't just splashing about for fun.''
Mr Stevenson said he did not expect anything in return for his donation, but if there was going to be a donors' plaque, or something similar, he would not mind being on it.
``It would be nice to have the family name up there.
``We've been in the Taieri area for more than 100 years.''
Although he was happy to give money to the project, Mr Stevenson said he would not be putting on a pair of swimming trunks once the pool was completed.
``If I'm still around I'll go for a look, but my swimming days are well past me now.''
Taieri Communities Facility Trust chairwoman Irene Mosley said it was fantastic Mr Stevenson and others had given money to the project.
The trust was on track at this stage of the project and was about to start applying to major charitable trusts, Mrs Mosley said.
A working party with the Dunedin City Council was also being organised, she said.
``The wheels are all in motion and we've got the structure sorted to get things really rolling which is wonderful.''
The council has $6 million earmarked in the 2018-19 financial year to build the new pool facility if the trust raised $7.5 million.
