[ . . . ]
First, there have been MAJOR improvements to the main pool this year for everyone to enjoy … not in the area of entertainment, but so that we could simply be open this year. First, we had holes in the gel coat of the main pool, cracked/missing tiles around the perimeter, a fence that wasn’t even in compliance with our own covenants/bylaws, and racing stripes that could hardly be seen anymore, not to mention main drains that were no longer in compliance in state laws. We completely regelcoated, completely retiled, completely replaced the fence, and completely repainted PLUS spending $5200.00 on bringing the main drains up to code.
Hopefully adult teenagers and adults alike will appreciate all of those upgrades and necessary fixes in the main pool which, again, some were necessary for us to even be open this summer.
Now, as far as the entertainment factor is concerned for the older kids…first, there is a huge pool for them to enjoy, which should be something for them to do. They are much more capable of entertaining themselves in a pool 3-5 feet deep than a child under the age of 6. They are welcome to bring things to make it more interesting if they would like, within reason. TWA has taken on the suggestion and is currently looking into a basketball goal/volleyball net for the main pool so hopefully that will work out and we can provide that entertainment for them as well.
Now, I will be the first to tell you that, if this comes to fruition, there will be strict rules and restrictions around it (as there are at the pool, in general) and if those adult teenagers do not follow the rules…it or they will need to go away. If it will keep them out of trouble, and not be another reason for them to be in trouble, then we have met a great compromise. That is one reason that it went away before…it was too much of an issue and then became a liability. Children over the age of 10 have a privilege of going to the pool unsupervised by parents, but it requires supervision by the lifeguards. I frequent the pool and I see what they have to deal with sometimes with these older kids and it is not acceptable. Keeping these kids occupied is great as long as it is not at the expense of other’s enjoyment of the pool or the compromise of the lifeguard’s due respect.
[ . . . ] hopefully the wonderful ladies of TWA will help out those older kids and we will have a summer of all ages being happy at the Thornhill pool. If you support this cause, be sure that you have paid your annual TWA dues of $15.00!
Subject: [Thornhill] Baby Pool will not open
Date: 5/23/2009 12:21:02 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time
CC: thornhillnc@googlegroups.com
HOA Vice President and Pool Liasion