Pool and facilities are reaching the end of their useful life:

• The pool shell is getting harder to repair. Replastering has a limited lifespan and can be expensive.

• The locker room concrete walls need repair.  

• The pool mechanicals are old and many of the parts are not made anymore. Replacements are costly or no longer available. 

• The tennis courts are cracked and need to be resurfaced.

• The existing concrete deck has settled and has low spots. It does not drain appropriately.

• Excessive tree debris clogs filters and requires staff maintenance.

• The structure roofs are aged and deteriorating.

• Pool capacity and programming limitations

Membership has sold out for the past three seasons (2021, 2022, and 2023) and it is difficult to provide swim lessons to members while having an appropriate amount of open swim times available. A new layout of the pool (8-lanes and separate diving well) would improve how the pool area is utilized.

• Reinvestment in the infrastructure is needed or we will face more frequent and costly repairs.

• Construction, materials costs, and interest rates are likely to increase over the next several years.  

• It takes a lot of time and volunteer effort to coordinate a facility improvement of this scale.

• The longer we wait to make the necessary updates, the more expensive the project will become.

Seminole 2.0 released a request for proposal for design services for the new facility. The committee received four responses and interviewed two firms. We are happy to announce that the selected firm is Parkitecture + Planning - a local team that has extensive experience and very close ties to the pool. They have been wonderful to work with!

The Seminole Board and Seminole 2.0 committee has solicited comments and feedback from members via an online survey and outreach during summer 2022 to help prioritize amenities for the new pool. Additional neighborhood meetings and an all-member meeting to share preliminary designs were hosted in winter 2023. A summary of member outreach can be found on the UPDATES tab.

Check out the FACILITY DESIGN tab for plans, renderings, and a description of improvements.

Breaking ground hinges on reaching our fundraising goal. To mitigate any disruptions during the operational summer season of the pool, construction for the new facility would begin in September, with a completion date in spring. The project scope allows for construction to occur during the off-season. Ancillary tasks like landscaping, finishing touches, and trim work may be required once the pool is open for the summer.

Due to rising costs across the industry and raising interest rates, the estimate for the preferred design is $6.7 million. Seminole 2.0 and the Board have a revised “value” alternative estimated at $6.15 million.  There will be competitive bidding for the project.

We will fund the project with fundraising and sponsorship, pool funds, a bank loan, and a capital contribution from members. The current anticipated bank loan is $2.25 million.  

Member assessments/fees have not been finalized. The capital contribution fee is directly related to the amount that is fundraised from other sources. The first installment of this fee will be $350, due at registration for the 2023 season. This fee is not refundable.

The capital contribution fee will also be in place for future new members for a set number of years beyond construction of the new pool.

Yes! The 26.5 Foundation (EIN: 92-0605763) has received approval for section 501c3 nonprofit status. All donations are tax-deductible.

As of August 7, 2023, our fundraising efforts have successfully secured $100,000 in donations and pledges. Our overarching fundraising goal, excluding the bank loan, earmarked funds from the board, and membership assessment fees, stands at $3.5 million.

Seminole 2.0 has submitted applications to multiple foundations and is actively exploring suitable grant opportunities. Outreach efforts extend to local businesses and philanthropic entities within the area. Alongside promoting the recognition opportunities for the new facility, the board is considering offering annual sponsorship opportunities to local businesses.

The board is prepared to initiate construction when we attain 85% of our fundraising target, or about $3 million.

Seminole 2.0 is steadfast in its commitment to pursuing funds until our goal is achieved. The board will strive to uphold the existing facility to the best of its ability without significant capital investment. In the event of a catastrophic failure, the board, in consultation with our membership, will determine the appropriate course of action. Potential solutions include utilizing earmarked funds for repairs or reconstructing the pool in its current configuration.

The Seminole 2.0 committee is entirely volunteer-operated. We enthusiastically welcome additional volunteers and have defined roles for specific positions:

• Fundraising Assistant: Assist in reaching out to businesses and foundations

• Stewardship Lead: Responsible for sending thank you letters and messages to donors

• Secretary: Manage meeting schedules and maintain meeting minutes.

Check out the TEAM page for more details. Feel free to reach out and join our dedicated team to make a lasting impact! Your involvement goes beyond financial support.