As promised, I have attached a copy of the operating plan for the 2020 season.  This plan follows guidance for pool operation issued by the State and County, and we believe is consistent with safe opening of the pool.  Of course, your cooperation is needed to help keep yourself, your family, and your friends and neighbors safe.  Don’t go to the pool if you are not feeling well or if you believe that you or someone in your household has been exposed to the COVID virus.

The operating plan is largely consistent with the draft plan we circulated on June 6 with a few minor changes to accommodate updated guidance and feedback from you.  The current guidance does not restrict us to lap-only swim, so we will be able to have open swim periods where families can sit together on deck and play with each other in the water. We will have lap-only periods on several mornings and evenings, but most of the pool day will be available for open, family swimming. While we will open the pool with this plan in place, it is subject to change as circumstances or guidance change and as we learn how well it is working. 

Unfortunately, we do not have a firm opening date yet, as our management company is still working to ensure that all of its staff is fully trained and familiar with the new operating procedures required of pool operators.  I wanted everyone to have a chance to review the rules and the attached FAQs as soon as possible.  I will forward links to the first sign-up when we get our final opening date.  Until then, thank you for your patience and understanding.

Finally, I know that some people are still on the fence about joining this year.  We certainly understand if you have concerns over being in public areas, or perhaps financial difficulties caused by the severe economic consequences of the pandemic.  Please keep in mind that we are all owners of the pool and depend on membership dues to keep the pool as a going concern. Under our current best estimate, we will likely operate at a significant loss this year and have to dip into the reserve we have set aside for major repairs over the next few years. While it is good that we have this reserve, depleting it puts us at significant risk if our aging facilities were to suddenly fail or require significant repair (as is expected in the next few years). If you haven’t at least paid the $75 inactive membership fee, please do so soon; if you have already paid your dues but cannot use the pool this year, please consider applying those dues to next year (minus the $75 inactive fee); and if you are just excited about using the pool, please let your friends and neighbors know that we will be opening and they can join in the fun too.  While use of the pool will be somewhat limited by the unfortunate circumstances of the world around us,, we feel that Forest Knolls will still be able to be the best place this summer to cool-off, get some sun, and catch up with all of your friends and neighbors (from 6 feet away).

Hope to see you at the pool!

Chris