Wildwood Pool is Getting a Makeover!
Renovation Timeline
2024:
In the next few weeks . . .
Next step is forming the decks, putting the blue-chip stone in place, and laying the electrical conduit around the pool. Once that is complete, the team hopes to hit our next big milestone, which is pouring of the concrete decks.
April 2024:
Tiling, Storm Drain & Gas Lines
Take Your Marks! Over the past week, the construction team laid the racing stripe tiles, waterline tiles, and coping stones. They also completed laying the storm water drain lines under the parking lot and running the new gas line towards the street.
March 2024:
Retaining Wall & Pump Room
We’ve made substantial progress on the retaining wall and hope to have it completed in the next week or so. In addition, the pool pump and filters installation are in progress.
Retaining Wall
Pump RoomFeb. 2024:
Pool Shell is Complete!
The renovation continues to progress. The pool deck is starting to take shape and deck forms will soon be put in place to fully frame the pool deck.
Full View Of Pool
Wading Pool
Wading Pool
Beach entry into main poolJan. 2024:
Rebar Installed and Concrete Shell Poured
The construction team has made excellent progress since our last update. The pool was excavated, and plumbing/rebar installed before pouring the concrete shells.
Dec. 2023:
Framing the Pool
Baby Pool Beach Entry
Main Pool Beach Entry
Main Pool FramingNov. 2023:
Construction Underway!
If you’ve been around the pool area recently, you may have seen a flurry of activity. Our construction contractor is preparing to begin demolition of the existing pool and excavating for the new pool.
We’d like to extend a special thanks to our amazing District 16 legislative team (Senator Ariana Kelly, Delegate Marc Korman, Delegate Sara Love, and Delegate Sarah Wolek) and their incredible staffs for their invaluable assistance in helping us expedite the final stages of the permit approval process. Their help was critical in getting our permits released in time to begin construction and preserve our construction timeline.
Oct. 2023:
Design Refinement
Design refinements to address questions and feedback received during the permitting process.
Sept. 2023:
Financing Approved
Financing Approved
March 2023:
Pool Financing
Engaged in financing discussions and received term sheets from two local banks.
Feb. 2023:
Storm Water Management Approval
Received approval of Storm Water Management Concept Plan from Montgomery County.
Jan. 2023
Updated Pool Design
Updated pool design to incorporate member feedback and to satisfy code requirements.
Sept. 2022
Selection of Architect and Construction Contractor
Aug. 2022
Assessment collection began
Collection started for the approved $1000 assessment fee from all equity members.
July 2022
Renovation Vote
Membership voted in favor of renovating Wildwood and implementing a one-time, per membership special assessment.
Renovation Features Update
With a resounding vote in support of renovation that took place in the summer of 2022, our membership approved an exciting renovation plan that will serve our members and surrounding communities for decades to come.
Based on the voting results, Option 1 reached the threshold needed to pass. After the vote, the Board has worked diligently to incorporate as much as possible of the feedback we received throughout the voting process. The result is an updated version of Option 1 that includes all of the original features and benefits of that option AND incorporates exciting new features requested by our membership (Option 1A).
Construction on Option 1A will begin shortly after Labor Day, 2023. We’ll reopen for the 2024 season with the new pool and outdoor amenities!
What does Option 1A include and what will Wildwood Manor Pool look like in 2024?
Option 1A: Revised Baseline Renovation (includes all original Option 1 Features and all of the New Option 1 Features)
Our plans include:
- Original Option 1 Features:
- Constructing a new expanded main pool going from six (6) to eight (8) lanes
- Incorporating new diving boards and a new recreation slide for the main pool
- Constructing a new baby pool with water play features
- Installing a children’s playground structure to the right of the baby pool
- Making specific code-compliant changes (e.g., code compliant diving well, new one meter diving boards, replacement of lifeguard stands)
- Replacing the pool’s plumbing and filtration systems
- Winterizing the bathhouse to accommodate off-season use and provide rental income for the club
- Adding a separate family bathroom
- Adding a heating system to the pool to allow flexibility for a longer season to accommodate off-season rentals and income
- Adding a new gazebo and pavilion structure in the back left corner for expanded seating and shade
- Constructing a new multisport court in the front lower lot with connecting walkway from the pool parking lot
- New Option 1 Features:
- Wading pool area, perfect for swimmers ready to graduate from the baby pool, but also great for kids at heart looking to cool off and socialize
- Bench seating area
- Zero entry pool access (beach entry)
- Broad in-pool steps for easy pool entry
- Direct access water channel for fun passage between the wading pool and connected main pool area
- More than 20% increase in overall water surface square footage
- Constructed stairway to connect upper lot to multisport court
- And more!
Here are some preliminary renderings of the exciting new changes coming to Wildwood Manor in 2024!
Notice of Upcoming Vote on Special Assessment for Pool Renovation
The WMSPA Board is excited to share important updates on pool renovation options. As members, you are all aware of the incredible community we have at our pool. It is where we have brought our babies, toddlers, new swimmers, and teens. We’ve hosted birthday parties and swim meets. And we’ve made lots of friends. But, to keep these traditions going, we must ensure our pool is viable as the years and wear and tear take their toll.
As such, we have spent the past months researching options, meeting with bankers and engineers, evaluating and assessing the pool’s viability, and crunching numbers. We come to you now to share what we have learned and to get your input at a critical juncture in this process. The pool itself is safe and functioning at present. However, like other pool clubs in Bethesda and the broader community, the swimming pool facilities at Wildwood Manor are aging and need renovation. Our pool is 65 years old and patchwork fixes performed over the past several years have gotten us well beyond its estimated 50-year life. Current problems—including a leak in the pool’s main drain, outdated filtration system, safety concerns regarding the shallow depth of the pool in certain areas, outdated bathhouse facilities prone to failure, and critical facilities that no longer comply with current building and safety codes—can’t be completely solved without a pool renovation.
Given the age of our facilities and current state, we risk jeopardizing, at minimum, a full summer season with a plumbing or water filtration system failure. The Board has carefully considered all available options to continue reliably serving our membership and mitigate against structural failure causing season closure, loss of membership, and potential loss of a viable pool altogether. As we are a membership organization and our club’s financial viability relies on annual dues, the pool facilities’ failure could result in a severe financial crisis beyond recovery. After a detailed review and consideration of these issues, the Wildwood Manor Board of Directors has concluded that a renovation is necessary and should no longer be deferred.
So, we are coming to you now to begin working together and gathering your input to determine the most appropriate option for the future of Wildwood Manor Pool. Below is an overview of our options as well as information about upcoming virtual and in-person meetings. We’ve also established an email address, renovation@wildwoodpool.com, to field feedback and questions.
Our Options
The Board of Directors has worked with pool construction experts and architects to identify two viable options for a renovation that secures the future for Wildwood Manor: Option 1 ensures that our pool is up to code and includes added enhancements that we know are important to our members (from formal and informal surveys conducted over the last several years) and Option 2 expands on Option 1 to include many of the features of neighboring pools in our community. The Board does not recommend one option over the other but, instead, looks to you, our membership, for guidance. Wildwood Manor will hold a special membership meeting in July whereby all voting members will determine which option we will pursue. Construction on the pool would begin in September 2023 and the newly updated facilities will be ready for use in May 2024.
- Option 1: Baseline Renovation – Aimed at making baseline improvements to the existing pool facilities with several added enhancements. This option would include:
- Constructing a new expanded main pool going from six (6) to eight (8) lanes
- Incorporating new diving boards and a new recreation slide for the main pool
- Constructing a new baby pool with water play features
- Installing a children’s playground structure to the right of the baby pool
- Making specific code-compliant changes (e.g., code compliant diving well, new one meter diving boards, replacement of lifeguard stands)
- Replacing the pool’s plumbing and filtration systems
- Winterizing the bathhouse to accommodate off-season use and provide rental income for the club
- Adding a separate family bathroom
- Adding a heating system to the pool to allow flexibility for a longer season to accommodate off-season rentals and income
- Adding a new gazebo and pavilion structure in the back left corner for expanded seating and shade
- Constructing a new multisport court in the front lower lot with connecting walkway from the pool parking lot
- Option 2: Enhanced Renovation – Incorporates all of the improvements described in Option 1 above plus new amenities to enrich our members’ overall pool experience and put our facilities on par with other recently renovated community pools. This option would include:
- Constructing a wading/teach pool located to the left of the main pool with beach entry for use by less experienced swimmers or swimmers with limited mobility, expansion of swim lessons, activities like water aerobics, etc.
- Fully renovating the bathhouse to improve space and flow, increase the number of available facilities, incorporate updated finishes, and add a separate family bathroom with appropriate handicap accessibility with an entrance facing the main pool
- Expanding the surface area of the pool deck, thereby substantially reducing the grassy areas surrounding the pool (and the resulting presence of bugs and mud)
Need for a Special Assessment
Both options require our current and future equity members to invest in Wildwood Manor’s future, just like the families that started our club in 1957. When evaluating this investment, there are a few financial realities to consider:
- We need a new construction loan. Our property will secure the loan.
- The new construction loan amount must be sufficient to fund construction costs and maintain reasonable club reserves.
- Wildwood Manor has approximately $550,000 set aside in reserves.
- Our lender will require that we maintain a reasonable loan-to-cost ratio (somewhere between 65% and 75%).
- As a result of the anticipated loan-to-cost ratio (and our sound business practice to maintain reasonable reserves), we will need all equity members to make a one-time special assessment to help fund our portion of the construction costs.
- We anticipate that Option 1 will require a special assessment of approximately $1,000 (to fund this option at roughly $2.6M) and Option 2 will require a special assessment of approximately $1,500 (to fund this option at roughly $3.4M). This assessment is NOT a per person assessment. Rather, it reflects the total one-time assessment that would be owed per membership.
- Once construction begins (and going forward), annual dues will need to be adjusted to cover debt service payments and increased operating costs. We anticipate annual dues will increase by an estimated $50-$450 per membership (depending on which option is chosen by membership) to be spread out over the 2023 and 2024 seasons. As is currently the case, the actual amount of annual dues will be determined each season based on the revenue needed to fulfill all of our obligations associated with operating the pool.
- While current equity members will pay the assessment in advance of the renovation, future equity members will be required to pay a one-time assessment to ensure that the burden of the renovation costs is shared equally among current and future members.
| Option 1: Baseline Renovation | Option 2: Enhanced Renovation |
| Estimated Costs: $2.6 million | Estimated Cost: $3.4 million |
| One-Time Special Assessment: $1,000 or $84/month for 12 months* | One-Time Special Assessment: $1,500 or $125/month for 12 months* |
| Annual Dues for 2023 Season: $800–$875 | Annual Dues for 2024 Season: $850–$1,000 | Annual Dues for 2023 Season: $875–$975 | Annual Dues for 2024 Season: $1,000–$1,200 |
*Payments over 12 months may incur a small administrative fee
Please Note: All figures presented are best estimates and will be determined by factors including interest rates, member retention, and third-party revenue.
The estimates provided for the special assessments noted above—$1,000 for Option 1 and $1,500 for Option 2—are based on input from our Board (many of whom have financial services and accounting expertise), our construction consultant’s feedback, preliminary discussions with banks, and informal conversations with Board members and representatives from community pools in the area that have recently undertaken renovation projects.
We understand that the assessment amount for either option may be difficult for some members to absorb. However, this project cannot wait any longer for the reasons explained above, and we must plan for this renovation now. Accordingly, while some members may choose to make a one-time assessment payment for the full amount of the assessment, we intend to offer an option to spread the payment of the assessment over a 12-month period to further minimize the impact of the assessment on our members. The pool’s Board has worked diligently over the past few years to strengthen the pool’s financial position to help defray much of the cost of an assessment by prudently managing costs and ensuring robust membership each year. At present, the pool is in one of the strongest financial positions in many years and, therefore, will be able to move forward with the renovation project with imposing the lowest member assessment amount possible. Indeed, the Board continues to explore other revenue options as part of the Board’s responsibility to provide sound financial stewardship for the pool, which will help to offset other financial impacts associated with the renovation.
In that respect, we are pleased that Tollefson Swimming, a longtime partner of Wildwood Manor and our swim programs, will become year-around renters at Wildwood in Fall 2024 after the renovation is complete. This requires winterization of the bathhouse and the addition of gas heaters for the main pool. This additional source of income from Tollefson Swimming is significant and will help to offset renovation costs and limit dues increases post-renovation.
To meet financing requirements, we will need to collect all special assessments from members before the start of construction (scheduled to occur the day after Labor Day of 2023). But, as noted above, there will be an option to pay the assessment over the course of 12 months. In addition to current equity members, each future equity member of the Club will be required to invest in this renovation, meaning that each current and future member will share equally in supporting Wildwood Manor Pool as a centerpiece of our community for decades to come.
Next Steps
We are very excited to share detailed renderings of the two options described above. In addition, over the course of the next several weeks we will offer updates on the renovation project, the proposed special assessment options, and details around financing for the project. To facilitate discussions, the Board will sponsor a series of virtual and in person “town-hall” style meetings to explain the project and give members a chance to ask questions.
We have planned four virtual and in-person meetings in the coming weeks to share more details and get your questions and input. We will present plans at the virtual meetings and include time for Q+A; the in-person meetings will be more informal and provide a chance for you to stop by, ask questions and provide input:
- June 18, Renovation “Open House,” 3:00-5:00 pm at the pool (refreshments will be served)
- June 21, Renovation Presentation, 7:30-9:00 pm, via Zoom
- June 28, Renovation “Open House,” 5:30-7:30 pm at the pool (refreshments will be served)
We will schedule additional meetings in July, and Zoom meetings will be archived on our website. We also will post information to a special section of the Wildwood Manor website to keep members informed about this project. The renovation landing page is available at: www.wildwoodpool.com/renovation. The board and our renovation committee will be reaching out to all equity members to share information and get your input – and you can send questions and information requests to us anytime at renovation@wildwoodpool.com. We will host a special membership meeting on or about July 21, when each voting equity member will cast a vote on the options described above. If you have questions about whether you have a voting equity membership, please reach out to info@wildwoodpool.com. Members will also be able to cast their vote online.
The Board is grateful for your engagement and will continue to work diligently to bring the best options before the pool’s membership that ensure the long-term viability of the pool, its property, and its place in the Wildwood community.
Thank you, Wildwood Manor family!
The Wildwood Manor Swimming Pool Association Board of Directors
1. Why do we need a new pool?
The Wildwood Manor pool (“WM”) was built approximately 65 years ago and has long outlived the natural life cycle of community pools. The pool itself is safe and functioning at present. However, like other pool clubs in Bethesda and the broader community, the swimming pool facilities at WM are aging and need renovation. Our pool is 65 years old and patchwork fixes performed over the past several years have gotten us well beyond its estimated 50-year life. Current problems—including a leak in the pool’s main drain, an outdated filtration system, safety concerns regarding the shallow depth of the pool in certain areas, outdated bathhouse facilities prone to failure, and critical facilities that no longer comply with current building and safety codes—can’t be completely solved without a pool renovation.
Given the age of our facilities and current state, we risk jeopardizing, at minimum, a full summer season with a plumbing or water filtration system failure. The Board has carefully considered all available options to continue reliably serving our membership and mitigate against structural failure causing season closure, loss of membership, and potential loss of a viable pool altogether. As we are a membership organization and our club’s financial viability relies on annual dues, the pool facilities’ failure could result in a severe financial crisis beyond recovery. After a detailed review and consideration of these issues, the WM Board of Directors has concluded that a renovation is necessary and should no longer be deferred.
2. What are the differences between Option 1 and Option 2 for pool renovation?
Option 1 ensures that our pool is up to code and includes added enhancements that we know are important to our members (from formal and informal surveys conducted over the last several years) and Option 2 expands on Option 1 to include many of the features of neighboring pools in our community. The Board does not recommend one option over the other but, instead, looks to you, our membership, for guidance.
- Option 1: Baseline Renovation – Aimed at making baseline improvements to the existing pool facilities with several added enhancements. This option would include:
- Constructing a new expanded main pool going from six (6) to eight (8) lanes
- Incorporating new diving boards and a new recreation slide for the main pool
- Constructing a new baby pool with water play features
- Installing a children’s playground structure to the right of the baby pool
- Making specific code-compliant changes (e.g., code compliant diving well, new one meter diving boards, replacement of lifeguard stands)
- Replacing the pool’s plumbing and filtration systems
- Winterizing the bathhouse to accommodate off-season use and provide rental income for the club
- Adding a separate family bathroom
- Adding a heating system to the pool to allow flexibility for a longer season to accommodate off-season rentals and income
- Adding a new gazebo and pavilion structure in the back left corner for expanded seating and shade
- Constructing a new multisport court in the front lower lot with connecting walkway from the pool parking lot
- Option 2: Enhanced Renovation – Incorporates all of the improvements described in Option 1 above plus new amenities to enrich our members’ overall pool experience and put our facilities on par with other recently renovated community pools. This option would include:
- Constructing a wading/teach pool located to the left of the main pool with beach entry for use by less experienced swimmers or swimmers with limited mobility, expansion of swim lessons, activities like water aerobics, etc.
- Fully renovating the bathhouse to improve space and flow, increase the number of available facilities, incorporate updated finishes, and add a separate family bathroom with appropriate handicap accessibility with an entrance facing the main pool
- Expanding the surface area of the pool deck, thereby substantially reducing the grassy areas surrounding the pool (and the resulting presence of bugs and mud)
3. Why do we need a new bathhouse?
The current bathhouse is outdated and prone to failure. In surveys, members have responded that the current bathhouse layout is too small and lacks enough sinks, toilets, and showers, and members would like to see a family bathroom. Further, the current layout does not offer full ADA accessibility and is not winterized.
There are two options presented to membership.
- Option 1: The Baseline Renovation winterizes the bathhouse to accommodate off-season use and provide rental income for the club. While the existing structure will remain, the updated bathhouse will be an improvement over the current bathhouse, adding space and addressing ADA guidelines, and adding a family bathroom. This option provides 5 sinks (unchanged), 5 toilets (unchanged), 2 urinals (unchanged), and 6 showers (unchanged) in the men’s and women’s bathrooms, in addition to the family bathroom (new).
- Option 2: The Enhanced Renovation also winterizes the bathhouse to accommodate off-season use and provide rental income for the club. This option also adds a separate family bathroom. This option fully renovates the bathhouse to improve space and flow, increase the number of available facilities, incorporate updated finishes, and add a separate family bathroom with appropriate handicap accessibility with an entrance facing the main pool. This option provides 6 sinks (+1), 7 toilets (+2), 3 urinals (+1), and 8 showers (+2) in the men’s and women’s bathrooms, in addition to the family bathroom (new).
4. Will we lose a season at the pool to the renovation?
No, the renovation will not curtail usage of the pool in any way. The renovation would begin in September 2023 just after the pool closes and be completed by May 2024 before the pool is set to open for the season.
5. How will the renovation be funded? Will it affect me?
Both options require our current and future equity members to invest in Wildwood Manor’s future, just like the families that started our club in 1957. The renovation will be paid for with four streams of revenue: the pool’s existing cash reserves ($550,000), a one-time assessment to be paid by all equity memberships, an increase in annual dues over the 2023 and 2024 seasons, and rental income following the renovation.
When evaluating this investment, there are a few financial realities to consider:
- We need a new construction loan. Our property will secure the loan.
- The new construction loan amount must be sufficient to fund construction costs and maintain reasonable club reserves.
- Wildwood Manor has approximately $550,000 set aside in reserves.
- Our lender will require that we maintain a reasonable loan-to-cost ratio (somewhere between 65% and 75%).
- As a result of the anticipated loan-to-cost ratio (and our sound business practice to maintain reasonable reserves), we will need all equity members to make a one-time special assessment to help fund our portion of the construction costs.
- We anticipate that Option 1 will require a special assessment of approximately $1,000 (to fund this option at roughly $2.6M) and Option 2 will require a special assessment of approximately $1,500 (to fund this option at roughly $3.4M). This assessment is NOT a per person assessment. Rather, it reflects the total one-time assessment that would be owed per membership.
- Once construction begins (and going forward), annual dues will need to be adjusted to cover debt service payments and increased operating costs. We anticipate annual dues will increase by an estimated $100-$450 per membership (depending on which option is chosen by membership) to be spread out over the 2023 and 2024 seasons. As is currently the case, the actual amount of annual dues will be determined each season based on the revenue needed to fulfill all of our obligations associated with operating the pool.
- While current equity members will pay the assessment in advance of the renovation, future equity members will be required to pay a one-time assessment to ensure that the burden of the renovation costs is shared equally among current and future members.
6. What is the interest rate on the loan? And what yearly revenue must we maintain to service the loan compared to our yearly revenue today (2022)?
That will be determined once the loan is secured and locked, following a vote by the membership. The Board has taken every measure to offset the impact of the renovation’s cost on current and future members. The pool is currently in one of the strongest financial positions in years.
7. Will the payments by members be tiered at all? For example, will longstanding members pay less than new members?
All equity members are required to pay the same amounts depending on which option is chosen by the membership during the vote.
8. I’m confused. So, what are the costs to me?
All equity members are required to pay a one-time special assessment and will be responsible for any increase in annual equity dues. The Board is offering options to spread these payments out to lessen the impact.
| Option 1 – Baseline Renovation | Option 2 – Enhanced Renovation |
| Estimated Costs: $2.6 million | Estimated Cost: $3.4 million |
| One-Time Special Assessment: $1,000 or $84/month for 12 months | One-Time Special Assessment: $1,500 or $125/month for 12 months |
| Annual Dues for the 2023 Season: $800–$875 & the 2024 Season: $850–$1,000 | Annual Dues for the 2023 Season: $875–$975 & the 2024 Season: $1,000–$1,200 |
*Payments over 12 months may incur a small administrative fee
We want to be clear that all figures presented are best estimates and will be determined by factors including interest rates, member retention, and third-party revenue from things like rentals.
9. Do I need to make all payments at once? If so, when?
We understand that the assessment amount for either option may be difficult for some members to absorb. However, this project cannot wait any longer for the reasons outlined, and we must plan for this renovation now.
Assessment: While some members may choose to make the one-time assessment payment for the full amount of the assessment, we intend to offer an option to spread the payment of the assessment over a 12-month period to further minimize the impact of the assessment on our members. To meet financing requirements, we will need to collect all special assessments from members before the start of construction (scheduled to occur the day after Labor Day of 2023); therefore, for any member spreading the payment out over one year, a first installment would be due before Labor Day 2022.
Dues: Once construction begins (and going forward), annual dues may will need to be adjusted to cover debt service payments and increased operating costs. We anticipate annual dues will increase by an estimated $100-450 per membership (depending on which option is chosen by membership) to be spread out over the 2023 and 2024 seasons. As is currently the case, the actual amount of annual dues will be determined each season based on the revenue needed to fulfill all of our obligations associated with operating the pool.
10. What if we lose members? Will I be asked to pay more in dues to make up for the loss of members?
This is not a scenario that we anticipate, although it cannot be ruled out entirely. The Board has taken every measure to offset the impact of the renovation’s cost on current and future members. The pool is currently in one of the strongest financial positions in years, having $550,000 in reserves and capacity membership for the 2022 season. That is why the Board has moved to begin engaging membership now on the most appropriate renovation option. The Board continues to explore other revenue options as part of the Board’s responsibility to provide sound financial stewardship for the pool, which will help to offset other financial impacts associated with the renovation.
In that respect, we are pleased that Tollefson Swimming, a longtime partner of Wildwood Manor and our swim programs, will become year-around renters at Wildwood in Fall 2024 after the renovation is complete. This requires winterization of the bathhouse and the addition of gas heaters for the main pool. This additional source of income from Tollefson Swimming is significant and will help to offset renovation costs and limit dues increases post-renovation.
Moreover, many other pools in the area have gone through renovations and imposed very similar costs on their membership. The assessment fee and increase in dues related to the renovation options are on par with other pools in the area that have renovated. Furthermore, pools in the area are near capacity in terms of membership.
11. How much of the reserves will be used to finance the renovation? Why not all of it?
The pool has cash reserves of approximately $550,000 at present, and that figure will grow by year’s end. We anticipate using $400,000 of reserves toward the renovation, with the ability to use additional as needed. We estimate needing approximately $100,000 for current pool annual expenses. It is the Board’s financial obligation to membership to maintain a full year of operating costs in reserves should something unforeseen occur.
12. Will the Board competitively bid pool construction before selecting a construction company?
The Renovation Committee will pursue the best terms and the lowest price (fixed pricing) to provide us with greater overall predictability regarding contractors, costs, plan and schedule.
We do not have an agreement with a contractor at this time. Once the membership has weighed in and voted, then the Renovation Committee will begin discussions with construction contractors through WM’s Pool Construction Manager, John Chadwick. There are only a small number of local contractors who have the expertise and interest to complete this type of project. In discussions with John Chadwick, who has approached these both on a competitive bid and sole source, sole source arrangements ended up being more favorable for the pool. We also spoke with other pools that recently have undergone renovations or currently are undergoing renovations and heard the same thing. Following engagement and feedback from members, and a successful vote for renovation, the pool will choose a builder with a strong track record of completing local community pool projects on budget and on time. Time is of the essence, and cost is also a major consideration. Waiting to bid a project would inevitably lead to further delays and costs, especially given inflation, supply chain issues, and overall market conditions.
13. What is the cost breakdown (itemized) of the renovation?
An itemized cost breakdown from WM’s Pool Construction Manager, John Chadwick, is available upon request.
14. Can the renovation be done in stages over several years?
A staged renovation is not an option. The options presented are the best financial options for our members (lowest burden) with the least impact to the pool’s operations. In the past year, the Board has invested in improvements to the pool grounds, including a newly paved upper parking lot, new walkway, new stairs to the lower lot, safety lighting, and improving the pool deck by eliminating grassy/muddy areas. Even with those improvements, the pool remains in its strongest financial position in many years. However, additional updates must be made to code and are more complicated. Additionally, due to the pool’s extended age and condition, there is strong possibility that opening up one area to improvement will cause the pool to fail. Therefore, a renovation must be done at once to keep costs low and ensure the pool is made available to members for spring/summer seasons.
15. How do I vote? What process must take place to move forward with the renovation?
Under our interpretation of the WM By-Laws and Articles of Incorporation, in order to encumber the pool, such as obtaining a bank loan, 2/3 of all eligible equity members must vote to move forward with either Option 1 or Option 2. Once the votes of 2/3 of all eligible equity members are counted, the Option that has collected 2/3 will carry. Thus, in order for the renovation to occur, all eligible equity members should vote and there must be at least 2/3 of all eligible voters casting a vote for one of the options.
To ensure that the two options don’t split the vote and fail the 2/3 requirement, members who vote for Option 2 will be able to place a contingency vote for the Option 1 (Baseline Renovation) if there are not enough votes to move forward with Option 2.
16. May I vote no?
Under our interpretation of the WM By-Laws and Articles of Incorporation, in order to encumber the pool, such as obtaining a bank loan, 2/3 of all eligible equity members must vote to move forward with either Option 1 or Option 2 for the renovation to carry. Therefore, if 2/3 of all eligible voters do not vote, the vote fails and neither option carries.
17. Who is eligible to vote?
All equity members are eligible to vote as long as they have:
- Paid in full the equity initiation / stock fee as of the day of the vote
- Are current on all dues
- Have paid all other fees
Therefore, if you are an equity member paying your initiation and stock fee over two or three seasons (installments), you must pay the balance of your installment to be eligible to vote according to the WMSPA bylaws.
If you have any questions as to whether you are eligible to vote, and any additional questions, please email renovation@wildwood.com.
18. I am a Seasonal Member but would like to vote. Can I do that?
Only equity members are eligible to vote as long as they are fully paid and current on their membership.
However, you may convert from a Seasonal member to an Equity member to be eligible to vote. If you are interested in converting, please contact membership@wildwoodpool.com.
19. When is the vote?
We will host a special membership meeting on or about July 21, when each voting equity member will cast a vote on the options described above. If you have questions about whether you have a voting equity membership, please reach out to membership@wildwoodpool.com. Members will also be able to cast their vote online, as well.
20. How do I learn more?
We have initially planned three virtual and in-person meetings in the coming weeks to share more details and get your questions and input. We will present plans at the virtual meetings and include time for Q+A; the in-person meetings will be more informal and provide a chance for you to stop by, ask questions and provide input:
- June 18, Renovation “Open House,” 3-5 pm at the pool (refreshments will be served)
- June 21, Renovation Presentation, 7:30-9 pm, via Zoom
- June 28, Renovation “Open House,” 5:30-7:30 pm at the pool (refreshments will be served)
We also will post information to a special section of the Wildwood Manor website to keep members informed about this project. The renovation landing page is available at: www.wildwoodpool.com/renovation. The board and our renovation committee will be reaching out to all equity members to share information and get your input – and you can send questions and information requests to us anytime at renovation@wildwoodpool.com. Depending on interest, we can add additional meeting dates in advance of the membership vote.