WE NEED YOUR HELP TO SAVE FOREST CREEK PARK & POOL
June 2018:
I am faced with writing a difficult letter regarding the status of our neighborhood Park/Pool which has been a pivotal part of this neighborhood since the 1970’s. After the summer season of 2008, the pool closed for indefinite period of time due to costly repairs needed and lack of funds. In 2009-2010, a group of eager and motivated residents volunteers formed a new board, secured a loan of $80,000, then proceeded to repair and reopen the pools in 2011. We’ve had amazing donors and sponsors who have helped us through-out the past eight years. Year after year, we have clawed our way towards the goal of revitalizing the pool and paying off the loan. As of today, we have $30,000 remaining on the loan without certainty how to pay this.
With that being said, we look to the business aspect of operating this pool and lack of funding faced to maintain the daily operations, let alone deferred maintenance and expansion. With the growing maintenance and operating cost, a declining membership income base and no outside contributions from the neighborhood. We are faced with the serious concern for how we can continue to keep these pools open beyond this summer. From a business standpoint, the operations of the pool broke-even on good years and has lost $5,000 or more on bad years. We have exhausted our reserve funds and are projecting an even greater loss this year. Our operating loss for this year is made worse due to an additional cost in the form of plumbing repairs required by the OK Dept. of Environmental Quality, which may be up to $5,000.
In the original development of this neighborhood, the park/pool was set up as a separate entity from the Forest Creek HOA. For the voluntary $50 HOA dues that are paid by the homeowners of Forest Creek, $10 per house, is provided towards helping run the park during our off season. All other revenue for the pool and park comes in the form of summer memberships. Those funds are used towards sustaining the year-round costs of insurance, electricity, maintenance, re-opening costs, park/tree repairs and miscellaneous expenses that arise.
We are left with two options on how to deal with this situation:
1. Forest Creek Resident & Pool Membership Involvement: We need to get more memberships, a yearly contribution & support from FC residents & pool members to offset the expenses, so the pool can operate in the black. Plus, we need additional volunteers who are willing, eager and able to take on an active role in continuing the progress of the pool and transition into full operation from the current board members.
2. We decide on an exit strategy for closure of the park and pool in 2019. This would be selling of the land to a developer/builder, fill in the pool and closure of the park. If we can maintain a piece of land to build a small community park, that would be the optimal result, but that is best case scenario.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
1. Residents of Forest Creek: We are asking for a yearly commitment of an additional $50 in voluntary dues, paid directly to Forest Creek Recreation. This would provide a $15,000 yearly revenue for the property operational cost, park expansion, repairs and miscellaneous expenses. If you are able to contribute more, that would be amazing. We could expand our park, maintain the pool, build a community center and do the things we dreamed for this neighborhood when this board was formed in 2009. Plus, most importantly, our home values in Forest Creek rely on keeping this property open and up kept. None us want to experience again what happened during 2009-2010 when this pool was closed.
2. Forest Pool Members: As a member of this pool, you understand how amazing it is to have this for you and your family to enjoy & make memories year after year. We pride ourselves on being your backyard pool. Our uniqueness sets us apart from other pools with our large shade trees, open seven days, clear water, inexpensive concessions, splash pad, park on site and flexible memberships plans. We are asking for a donation from each of our members, to help us fund the mounting operational costs and pay on loan balance, so we can continue to stay open beyond 2018. Our 2018 membership donation goal is $10,000, which equates to just $75.00 per pool membership (not per person). If you are able to donate more, that is appreciated. Plus, if you love this pool and have a desire to help get involved on the pool board. We need a new generation of volunteers to carry the torch.
Those are the facts. As tough as they are to read, it is even harder for those of us who have given our blood sweat and tears into this community to realize them. The board is working hard this summer to manage our shortfall, so we can finish out the 2018 summer. The uncertainty of 2019 all depends on the support we can generate for this important piece of property. Below is the pledge and dues form for your convenience & how you can sign up to be a volunteer if you're able. You are also encouraged to purchase a membership at the pool. We are so fortunate to have this property, we need to support it.
You can donate by completing this form and sending in. Please contact me directly at [email protected]
Scottie Rae Lawrence, FCR
PLEDGE FORM HERE
I am faced with writing a difficult letter regarding the status of our neighborhood Park/Pool which has been a pivotal part of this neighborhood since the 1970’s. After the summer season of 2008, the pool closed for indefinite period of time due to costly repairs needed and lack of funds. In 2009-2010, a group of eager and motivated residents volunteers formed a new board, secured a loan of $80,000, then proceeded to repair and reopen the pools in 2011. We’ve had amazing donors and sponsors who have helped us through-out the past eight years. Year after year, we have clawed our way towards the goal of revitalizing the pool and paying off the loan. As of today, we have $30,000 remaining on the loan without certainty how to pay this.
With that being said, we look to the business aspect of operating this pool and lack of funding faced to maintain the daily operations, let alone deferred maintenance and expansion. With the growing maintenance and operating cost, a declining membership income base and no outside contributions from the neighborhood. We are faced with the serious concern for how we can continue to keep these pools open beyond this summer. From a business standpoint, the operations of the pool broke-even on good years and has lost $5,000 or more on bad years. We have exhausted our reserve funds and are projecting an even greater loss this year. Our operating loss for this year is made worse due to an additional cost in the form of plumbing repairs required by the OK Dept. of Environmental Quality, which may be up to $5,000.
In the original development of this neighborhood, the park/pool was set up as a separate entity from the Forest Creek HOA. For the voluntary $50 HOA dues that are paid by the homeowners of Forest Creek, $10 per house, is provided towards helping run the park during our off season. All other revenue for the pool and park comes in the form of summer memberships. Those funds are used towards sustaining the year-round costs of insurance, electricity, maintenance, re-opening costs, park/tree repairs and miscellaneous expenses that arise.
We are left with two options on how to deal with this situation:
1. Forest Creek Resident & Pool Membership Involvement: We need to get more memberships, a yearly contribution & support from FC residents & pool members to offset the expenses, so the pool can operate in the black. Plus, we need additional volunteers who are willing, eager and able to take on an active role in continuing the progress of the pool and transition into full operation from the current board members.
2. We decide on an exit strategy for closure of the park and pool in 2019. This would be selling of the land to a developer/builder, fill in the pool and closure of the park. If we can maintain a piece of land to build a small community park, that would be the optimal result, but that is best case scenario.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
1. Residents of Forest Creek: We are asking for a yearly commitment of an additional $50 in voluntary dues, paid directly to Forest Creek Recreation. This would provide a $15,000 yearly revenue for the property operational cost, park expansion, repairs and miscellaneous expenses. If you are able to contribute more, that would be amazing. We could expand our park, maintain the pool, build a community center and do the things we dreamed for this neighborhood when this board was formed in 2009. Plus, most importantly, our home values in Forest Creek rely on keeping this property open and up kept. None us want to experience again what happened during 2009-2010 when this pool was closed.
2. Forest Pool Members: As a member of this pool, you understand how amazing it is to have this for you and your family to enjoy & make memories year after year. We pride ourselves on being your backyard pool. Our uniqueness sets us apart from other pools with our large shade trees, open seven days, clear water, inexpensive concessions, splash pad, park on site and flexible memberships plans. We are asking for a donation from each of our members, to help us fund the mounting operational costs and pay on loan balance, so we can continue to stay open beyond 2018. Our 2018 membership donation goal is $10,000, which equates to just $75.00 per pool membership (not per person). If you are able to donate more, that is appreciated. Plus, if you love this pool and have a desire to help get involved on the pool board. We need a new generation of volunteers to carry the torch.
Those are the facts. As tough as they are to read, it is even harder for those of us who have given our blood sweat and tears into this community to realize them. The board is working hard this summer to manage our shortfall, so we can finish out the 2018 summer. The uncertainty of 2019 all depends on the support we can generate for this important piece of property. Below is the pledge and dues form for your convenience & how you can sign up to be a volunteer if you're able. You are also encouraged to purchase a membership at the pool. We are so fortunate to have this property, we need to support it.
You can donate by completing this form and sending in. Please contact me directly at [email protected]
Scottie Rae Lawrence, FCR
PLEDGE FORM HERE