A brief history and update on what's going on behind the scenes at Chase Creek Pool
In order to maintain our community pool in working order and to maximize the enjoyment of our members, Chase Creek Pool has more than doubled the usable space on our grounds over the last few years. The process began when the Board of Directors decided to move forward and build the new open-air pavilion.Because the pool had been stymied in our efforts to renovate the bathhouse (see more below) the decision was made to move forward and begin the effort to renovate and renew the pool.
What’s Been Accomplished So Far:
Old dilapidated fencing has been torn down to make space for a brand new open-air pavilion complete with new lighting, grill area and increased storage space. A worn and underutilized tennis court was replaced with a brand new state of the art sports court complete with a new wall-ball court, basketball hoop and hopscotch. The entire back third of the pool grounds was reclaimed to build a large volleyball and play area. Almost the entire grounds have been re-landscaped; this included leveling, installing new drainage and laying massive amounts of sod. Trees and flowers have been trimmed and replanted to maximize both the aesthetic and overall appearance of the pool. Pool seating (lounge chairs and tables) have been replaced and upgraded including tables for dining and relaxation in the new pavilion. Old fencing has been replaced for half of the pool and better lighting and an upgraded sound system have helped to make life more enjoyable.
Membership:
After the past few years of economic downturn and uncertainty the membership levels have stabilized and have hopefully begun to grow. We feel that the somewhat chaotic situation with pool management over the last few years has been stabilized with the contract with Anchor Aquatics and look forward to a problem-free relaxing summer of 2011 season.
What’s To Come:
Much work remains to be done however. One of the most pressing, for all of us (remember we the board is comprised of members like you) is new and modern bathroom and changing facilities. When changes were originally proposed a few years ago the board felt that we could accomplish everything at once. While the above-mentioned changes have been huge, many obstacles prevented us from achieving this goal.These have included environmental permitting complications (the pool is located within critical areas) as well as the general economic downturn resulting in decreased membership. However it is still foremost in our minds as we move forward. The board diligently went through a number of iterations this past offseason hoping to completely or even partially renovate the bathhouse but we were not able to come up with a design that would increase space, increase accessibility and maximize comfort within the pool’s budget.
We do have tentative plans however and have begun the budgeting process to perhaps begin that renovation this next offseason.
What’s New and What Can You Do:
We hope to be able to discuss this with the membership at our new general meeting to take place at the pool in June of this year. We need your input and participation.While we work to complete these plans we would like to tell you about some exciting changes that have taken place in the offseason and are in place for this year. Brand new changing cabanas have been constructed and tied in to the old pavilion.These large, private cabanas not only add space to the pool without changing the footprint but we hope will revitalize an underutilized corner of the grounds.In addition, thanks to member-volunteers the old bathhouse and bathrooms have been repainted to match the new pavilion. We have also refinished and sealed the pavilion deck.
New Challenges:
But the heart of the pool remains, the pool. In the next few years both the baby pool and the main pool need to be resurfaced, a considerable cost. We anticipate repairing/replacing drainage around the pool area itself as this resurfacing takes place. We have been able to maintain the pumps and other equipment in working order for the last few years with minimal expense however we need to remain diligent as the equipment begins to age.
Please realize that the volunteer board made up of members like you, have been working to not only maintain the pool in working order but to modernize it at the same time. We need your help!Please let us know if you would like to volunteer for the board or help coordinate a specific project.
Thanks and we look forward to a great 2011 season!