Member Email Update

Hello, Seminole Members!

I am writing to update you on plans to redevelop Seminole Pool and Tennis. Please read all the way through, as this will affect us all. 

1. Thank you to everyone who participated in our survey. About half the membership responded, which is a *fantastic* response rate. Here are the main takeaways from the data analysis:

• Support for redevelopment was high

  • 73% support

  • 22% are unsure

  • 5% do not support

• When asked about a $1,000 capital improvement assessment, 80% of respondents indicated that they would definitely or possibly continue as members with a fee at that level.

• Respondents felt redevelopment costs should be shared both by current members as well as future members.

2. Based on these responses, the Seminole Board has approved a three-year capital improvement assessment for members. 

·  The assessment is $350 for 2023.  

·  This will be paid when you renew your membership. 

·  We want to let you know now, so you can budget for your household. 

·  The amounts for 2024 and 2025 will be set by the board after initial fundraising and more detailed cost estimates. We expect the total assessment to be between $1,000 and $1,200 total for the three years.

·  New members will also be assessed a capital improvement fee upon joining.

3. Project details

·  At this point, only a rough concept has been completed for the new facilities. 

·  Specific details, such as size of the diving well, pool depths, parking lot redesign and other amenities will be hammered out when we hire a design firm to complete plans. 

·  That hire will be decided through a competitive bid process.

·  We are developing a Request for Proposals to seek bids for this design. Anyone interested in sharing the RFP should email seminole2.0@seminolepool.org, and the committee will send it when finalized. 

4. Costs

·  The current Seminole 2.0 project cost predictions are estimates only. They are based on concept designs, as well as comparisons to recent local pool projects (e.g., Ridgewood).  

·  All contracts (architects, pool design and construction) will be awarded through competitive processes.

·  Seminole membership costs are currently among the lowest in the area. Even with our new and improved facility, initiation costs and annual dues will be in keeping with comparable facilities, many of which, like Seminole, have a waiting list for members.

·  Future members will be required to contribute the same one-time capital investment fee that is being asked of current members.

5. Effects on members

·  A larger and more efficient pool layout will enable us to increase:

·          

o    Swim and dive lesson capacity

o    Lap swimming times

o    Open swim times

o    Swim and dive team training 

o    Additional offerings, such as water aerobics

·  Our current bylaws cap membership at 450 households. With a redeveloped facility, the membership cap will be based on ability to serve member needs, such as accommodating all in swim lessons. 

6. Swim and Dive Team

·  I have long said, “We cannot have the pool without the team and we cannot have the team without the pool.” 

·  About 50% of our family memberships are families with kiddos on swim and dive team. 

·  This means the redeveloped facility will keep team needs in mind. This will not come at the detriment of the Seminole membership overall. And in fact, it will mean improvements for all. 

·  For instance, we currently close the dive well, and all 6 lap lanes, when dive team practices. In a new facility, the dive well will be separate. Lap lane lessons can continue during that time and we can do other fun things, such as water aerobics. 

7. Tennis

·  Our tennis programs have never been stronger and will definitely be a part of the next phase of Seminole.

·  Major upgrades to our tennis facilities are included in this project.

·  We are looking into adding PickleBall courts as part of the redevelopment.

8. Please mark your calendars

·  Our annual members meeting will be Wednesday, Oct. 12. 

·  The Board will be moving to make some changes to the bylaws, including moving from our current (and confusing) seasonal/permanent membership structure to a one-time initiation fee for new members.

·  This will not affect payout of permanent membership fees upon requested retirement for members who joined in 2022 or prior years. 

And now, as thanks for you reading all the way through this long message, let me share the fun news: We’re hosting a party! 

Seminole 2.0 Kickoff

Date: Wednesday, August 31 (rain date Thursday, Sept. 1)
Time: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. (during open swim)
Where: Seminole Pool (under the party tent)

Free beer, root beer and cotton candy!

We’ve all been working hard on charting this course forward. Let's celebrate the end of another great summer, and the future of Seminole!

If you have a question that you don't feel has been adequately addressed, please contact our Seminole 2.0 Chairs, Ned Grady and Rachel Holdener, at seminole2.0@seminolepool.org.

Thank you,

Katy Culver

President, Seminole Pool & Tennis

Reminder emails for pool party sent 8-28-22 and 8-31-22.