SEMINOLE 2.1 FAQ - Member Email: December 8, 2025

Hi Seminole Families,

This week we wanted to take a moment to answer some questions, comments or concerns that we have heard during our Seminole 2.1 fundraising effort. It’s a long email but full of important content so grab a cup of coffee, put your feet up and get reading! 

FAQ

Didn’t I just pay $350 per year for 3 years to pay for a new facility?
Yes—those capital improvement fees have played an important role in the Seminole 2.1 process. They have generated nearly $500,000 in on-hand funds (not pledges) that will be available when we break ground. These funds are also essential as we work with a lender on a construction loan. However, they represent less than 20% of the total funding needed which is why we need to generate funding from additional sources.

These funds also act as a safety net. Seminole Pool has already outlived its expected functional lifespan, and in recent years multiple behind-the-scenes fixes have allowed us to stay open. There remains a very real possibility that a major mechanical issue could require using these funds to keep the pool operational. The longer we wait, the more likely that becomes.

With everything going on in the world right now, this seems like a bad time to be pushing this project.
We hear you. There is a lot happening in the world. Unfortunately, because construction must occur between September and May and because of the lengthy planning, permitting, and financing process, this is the timeline we have to work with.

The good news: this project also gives us a meaningful opportunity to create local impact and lean into our community through our partnership with the 26.5 Foundation.

Reminder: No money is due now. Through pledges, families can spread contributions over 3 years.

My family is going to age out and won’t get to use the new pool. Why should I have to pay for this?
Seminole Pool and Tennis Club exists today because the original families of the Seminole Forest neighborhood made large financial contributions to build it. Many current members have enjoyed years of summer fun and memories thanks to those original donors. We hope you’ll consider paying it forward to support the next generation.

Several donors to the current Seminole 2.1 project were also donors for the original pool decades ago — a meaningful reminder that if they are willing to give twice to keep Seminole thriving, we hope today’s families will feel inspired to give once.

My family doesn’t belong to swim team—why do we need a larger pool?
A larger pool benefits every member, not just swim team families. The current pool size limits general open-swim time, reduces space for lessons and other activities like water ballet, and creates crowding during peak summer hours.
The Seminole 2.1 design allows for:

• More open-swim availability

• Expanded space for free play, lap swimming, and adult fitness

• Ability to run simultaneous programming (example: water ballet and swim lessons) because the diving well will be separate from the lap lanes

• Faster swim meets! 8 lanes means swim meets will take less time so the pool can open earlier for open swim on meet days

Even if you don’t have swim team swimmers, these changes improve the daily member experience and long-term value of the pool.

What happens if we fall short of our fundraising goal by December 31?
If we don’t meet our fundraising target by December 31, the Seminole 2.1 Committee and Seminole Pool and Tennis Club Board will evaluate several factors before determining next steps. These may include:

• Whether the funds raised are sufficient to move forward with a modified project or explore phasing the build 

• Updated cost estimates and construction timelines

• The feasibility of extending the campaign or pursuing additional grants, sponsorships, or financing

Our goal is to move forward responsibly and sustainably. We will clearly communicate the plan with all members should a funding shortfall occur.

It seems like I’ve been asked to donate lots of times. What else are we doing to raise funds?
We’re actively pursuing multiple other funding avenues, including:

• Community events like restaurant nights, rummage sale, silent auction and swim-a-thons

• RaiseRight program

• Grant applications 

• Business sponsorships

But there is only so much our small committee can do! If you have great ideas for how we can generate more funds, please reach out to Carleen Hanson or Matt Groose.

Have another question that isn’t addressed here? Please reach out! Email Carleen Hanson at carleenh@seminole26-5.org or message Matt Groose @seminole.prez on Instagram or Seminole Prez on Facebook.

Fundraising Update

Thank you to everyone who came out to the Verona Culver’s last week for our fundraising night! The restaurant was busy throughout the entire three-hour giveback, and it was wonderful to see so many familiar Seminole faces. Thanks to your support, we raised over $800! Please also take a moment to thank the volunteers you saw there—Culver’s staff had great things to say about them and even encouraged us to apply again for next year. We’re also working on scheduling additional restaurant nights for 2026, so if you have any suggestions, we’d love to hear them.

Unfortunately, not all of our fundraising news this week is positive. Donations and pledges have slowed in recent weeks, putting us at risk of falling short of our goal. If you haven’t yet made a contribution, now is the perfect time to donate or pledge and help push us across the finish line! And if you have already donated or pledged, please consider increasing your contribution to help us close the gap.

Four Square contest

Time is running out to join our fundraising contest to name the new FOUR SQUARE! This is a fun way to have a chance for your family to have a recognition opportunity without going outside your budget.

• Check out our video announcement linked here!

• Here’s how it works:

• Every $67 donation made through our Zeffy account earns one entry into the contest.

• One lucky winner will be chosen at random on December 31.

• Want to boost your chances? Donate $134, $268, or any multiple of 67 to earn additional entries.

Lastly, don’t forget to follow @seminole.prez on Instagram or “Seminole Prez” on Facebook for updates as we progress to our ground breaking goal! Your support truly makes all the difference. Let’s do this, Seminole family!

Seminole 2.1 Committee
seminole26-5.org