Dear Members,
In any other year our swim club would be opening its proverbial doors this weekend and we’d be picking up our membership cards- maybe even taking a dip and saying hello to friends and neighbors.
Unfortunately, this is not any other year. The Governor’s plan to reopen businesses remains an ongoing process that doesn’t yet include public and municipal pools. While it may happen in the near future, it would mean a shorter season for us. It would also most likely include capacity restrictions, limited or no swim lessons, questionable swim team status, and other strict social distancing guidelines. It will also be necessary to increase staff, purchase PPE, prepare the club for social distancing measures and put strict guidelines in place to enforce all the policies. This would be necessary to ensure the safety of all our members and guests. Unfortunately, this will put an economic strain on our club and make it very difficult to operate it efficiently, which is our number one priority.
We also receive information from NJPMA (New Jersey Pool Managers Association) and while most other neighboring pools are in the same position, some are still deciding what to do this season.
Our membership is especially uncertain this year as reflected in the emailed survey polled this month. It seems as though some of you would consider a summer by the pool, and still others would not or were unable to respond.
After several virtual meetings over the past two months, the Board of Trustees has come to a difficult conclusion. Due to the circumstances outlined in this letter, we are unfortunately unable to open this season. Believe us when we say, this was not a decision we took lightly. This board puts their hearts and souls into this club every year, so we exhausted every possible scenario that would allow us to open. It just wasn’t there.
Any membership money submitted this year will be returned to you. We will most likely hold an outdoor socially distant membership meeting in the coming months to discuss the future of our swim club. In the meantime, if you have any questions please contact us using our website.
Until then, be well and stay safe!
Washington Township Swim and Recreation Club
Board of Trustees
