FAQs
If your question isn’t answered below please contact us and ask!
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Yes! Donations are essential to rebuilding the pool as quickly as possible. Here’s how you can contribute
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We have reached 150 founding member units, unlocking the next phase:
It unlocks the anchor donor's $200K lead gift.
It lets the board execute (sign) the lease with the property owner.
Signing releases the escrow funds that pay for pool house construction.
Those funds deliver the rebuilt pool house, once it receives its Certificate of Occupancy.
The community’s new target is to reach 200 founding members as operations resume in 2027 and beyond, supporting ongoing membership growth.
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By making the pledge, you are committing to joining the pool as a summer member and agreeing to the capital assessment established by the WGCSRA, with the expectation of paying the first installment in late 2026. This is a verbal commitment and serves as a crucial indicator of community support for moving forward with the rebuilding plan.
Most Common Questions
The Deal & Property
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The land is owned by Woodley Waves LLC - the owners of Georgetown Hill Early Schools (GHES) and is divided into two sections: Plat A (daycare) and Plat B (pool house and pool).
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WGCSRA has now reached a signed term sheet with the property owner — the key terms are agreed, and that term sheet is the foundation for a binding 50‑year lease currently being finalized with legal counsel.
The headline terms:
A path to 50 years: an initial 2-year term, renewable for 48 more once the new pool is built.
No rent, for the life of the lease. In exchange for rebuilding the pool house and pool, WGCSRA pays $0 in rent.
New pool house first, funded at signing — construction begins right away rather than waiting on the full pool rebuild.
Full summer season: Memorial Day to Labor Day, plus 10 days on each side.
An off-season partner contributes $500K toward the pool and operates the facility during the off-season.
Built-in exit protection: if financing for the new pool isn't secured within two years, WGCSRA can terminate and recover its pool house investment.
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The off-season partner is a year-round swim organization that will sign an agreement directly with Woodley Waves LLC to construct a tent or bubble to use the pool for their off-season swimming program. The partner will be formally announced to the community when agreements are signed.
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The off-season partner’s contribution of at least $500k and ability to manage the pool in the off-season is a critical part of the opening and construction plan. Apart from the financial contribution, as a community-run, volunteer organization there is simply not enough bandwidth for WGCSRA to manage year-round pool operations.
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Total project: $3.1M (new pool + new pool house)
New pool: ~$2.2M
Pool house: ~$0.9M
Funding source & Planning Assumption
Member assessments: $832K
Off-season/swim partner contribution: $500K
Fundraising to date: $329K ($200K of this is still contingent on pledged commitments being fulfilled)
Fundraising, future target: $400K
Financed by loan: $1.04M
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Scenario A — New Pool Construction Begins in 2026: Build a brand-new pool by securing funding and starting construction as soon as possible, once 200 member-unit pledges are in. Gives clear upfront costs (~$900K pool house + ~$2M pool) but requires funding to be in place first.
Scenario B — New Pool Construction Begins After 2027 Summer Season: Keep the existing pool running for another season or two with immediate patch-up repairs, buying time to raise capital and further build membership before the full rebuild. Delays the ~$2M new-pool expense, but comes with unpredictable short-term repair costs.
In both scenarios, the assessment range stays $3,000–$5,000, there are membership fees comparable to the local market, and additional fundraising can lower the assessment members ultimately pay.
Timeline
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Now – Sept 30, 2026 - Founding Membership Drive: 150 founding member units are needed to unlock the next steps.
Q4 2026 - Lease Signing: Escrow funds the rebuild; pool house construction is completed.
Nov 1, 2026 - Decision Point: Decision on whether to begin new-pool construction for a 2027 opening (scenario A) or open with existing pool and start construction after the summer 2027 season (scenario B)
May 2027 - Lease Begins: The 50-year lease officially commences.
Membership & Assessments
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The range for the capital assessment is $3,000–$5,000 per household. The exact amount isn't final yet — it depends in part on how the fundraising campaign and lease terms come together. This is a one-time contribution, separate from annual membership dues (see below).
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The founding member pledge represents a commitment to join the pool, with the expectation of paying the first installment of the capital assessment in late 2026. While non-binding, it is an important indicator of community support for the rebuilding plan. Already, 150 member units have pledged their support, demonstrating strong momentum for the project.
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No — the capital assessment and annual pool membership are separate costs. Being a founding member does not exempt a household from paying regular annual dues in future years if they use the pool.
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Yes, a capital assessment will remain in place for future members to build a reserve fund and ensure the long-term financial viability of the pool.
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Current financing plans estimate annual dues at $1,000 per member unit, with a range from $550 for singles to $1,250 for families. The board will finalize annual dues closer to the 2027 season, once the capital arrangements are complete.
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The board has consulted with several local pool boards to ensure annual membership dues are in line with other area pools. However, Woodley is undertaking a comprehensive rebuild of the entire facility, which means the capital assessment will be higher than for pools undergoing renovations. Facility economics vary by pool size, amenities, and property terms (land ownership vs. ground lease), so direct comparisons are difficult. Once our numbers are finalized, a more accurate comparison will be provided.
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A founding member unit means a family, couple, or individual membership.
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The capital assessment is a contribution toward financing the rebuild and grants you voting rights on WGCSRA decisions. It does not confer any ownership interest in the physical property or the pool.
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No. Membership in WGCSRA is held by you as an individual or household and is not attached to your property. It does not automatically transfer to a new owner if you sell your home. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, membership cannot be structured as a real estate interest or equity stake tied to the property. Instead, it is a relationship with the organization, similar to joining a gym or civic association, rather than an HOA or deeded easement.
If you sell your home and move away, your membership (and any related capital assessment) stays with you, not with the house. New owners must apply for membership on the same terms as any other prospective members—there is no automatic transfer or inheritance of your membership or capital contribution.
WGCSRA may assess the options below for compliance with legal and tax:
Pausing or transferring your membership to another local property/household if our bylaws allow it
Whether any portion of your capital assessment is refundable per our membership terms
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If the project does not proceed, all donations and membership dues that have not yet been committed to expenses will be refunded to the community. Funds that have already been spent on essential project needs—such as legal, design, or construction costs—are not refundable. However, any uncommitted funds remain protected and refundable.
To further safeguard the community’s investment, we have included exit ramps at multiple key stages of the project. This ensures that the community is not locked in if critical milestones—such as financing, lease execution, or membership targets—are not achieved. The board will only commit and spend funds as each milestone is successfully reached.
In summary, your financial commitment is protected by both careful planning and structured safeguards throughout the process.
Risk & Protections
Is this a sound investment?
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Terms are in writing: both parties have signed a term sheet, providing the foundation for the binding lease now being finalized with legal counsel.
There is an exit option: if the new pool cannot be financed within two years, WGCSRA can terminate the lease and recover its pool house investment.
No rent: In exchange for rebuilding the pool house and pool, the rent is $0 for the duration of the lease.
Partnership support: An off-season partner will contribute $500,000 and operate the facility when WGCSRA is not using it.
Fundraising
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Yes! Donations are essential to rebuilding the pool as quickly as possible. Here’s how you can contribute
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Not yet—but we plan to offer this option in the future. As an all-volunteer organization, we have not yet established the infrastructure to accept donations through vehicles such as donor-advised funds, appreciated stock, or other financial instruments. If you have expertise or resources to help set this up, please contact us at SaveWoodleyPool@gmail.com.
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Absolutely. The fundraising committee is exploring a variety of acknowledgments and naming opportunities. If you are interested, or know a prospective sponsor or partner, please email SaveWoodleyPool@gmail.com.
Swim Team
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The Waves swim team has been based at Woodley Gardens Pool for over 60 years and competes in MCSL Division F. The team operates independently from WGCSRA. However, after the pool reopens, all swimmers will be required to hold membership at Woodley Gardens Pool.
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Although the swim team is a separate entity from WGCSRA, a major goal is to bring the Waves back to their home pool for the 2027 season.
Get Involved
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Become a founding member: secure your household's place and share in the new facility.
Volunteer: the campaign specifically needs help with fundraising, commercial lending/finance, construction/contractor liaison and oversight, project management, legal expertise, social media management, and web development.
Serve on the board or an advisory committee.
Donate or share via SaveWoodley.org
Email SaveWoodleyPool@gmail.com to express interest.