The board has received the following information from the Colony Park Recreation Association regarding this year’s pool season. This information is also being mailed to homeowners.
We hope you are doing well during these difficult times and are coming through the global pandemic safely and securely. Typically, our pool season would already be underway, so we wanted to write to you with the latest update surrounding the 2020 pool operating season as it relates to COVID-19. In conjunction with guidelines from the governor, taking into consideration industry professionals’ recommendations and anticipated restrictions, we now have a better understanding of what restrictions and requirements are likely to be in store for this year’s pool season.
Virginia’s Phase 1 and 2 re-opening has placed several restrictions on pools, to include:
- Lap swim only. The Colony Park pool is not equipped with lap lane swimming.
- Wading pool must remain closed.
- No furniture on the pool deck.
- Use of a facial covering required to be worn when not in the pool.
However, the visa program that staffs the majority of the lifeguards in our area has been halted indefinitely. Should the program begin again this summer, our pool company has advised that there will be a 14-day quarantine period both in and out of the country for international travel, which will impact the operating season. Furthermore, the Red Cross has suspended lifeguard classes due to the requirements of social distancing. For these reasons, all pool management companies in our region are anticipating staffing delays into July, with no guarantee of a start date.
Should the pool open, it is likely that we would have to implement shortened operating hours, reservation system, and limited capacity and use periods. For everyone’s health and safety, enhanced and more frequent cleaning and sanitization efforts will be required. Reservation services, compliance monitoring and/or enhanced cleaning services are not included in the pool management agreement, and High Sierra has already advised they will not be able to provide these extra services. With all this said, it is apparent to the Pool Committee to open the pool this season would result in additional unplanned expenses.
As we considered all of the facts, and for the health safety of all anticipated obstacles, challenges and expense, we have come to the unfortunate decision to not open the pool this year. We understand this decision may be expected by some and will come as a disappointment to others, but we want to assure you this decision was not made lightly, and came after much discussion and consideration. As a best practice and Fairfax County requirement, we will continue to maintain the facility to properly care for the pool, and have modified the agreement with High Sierra for a reduction of service and fees as appropriate.
In preparation for the 2020 pool season, the association completed many needed repairs, to include: fence repairs, minor concrete patching, replacement of coping stones, new diving board, replacement of pool pump bearings and landscaping. The pool and facility was cleaned and available when needed. The association is still required to pay utilities, insurance, reserves for future repairs, maintain the common area, and various other items.
Any costs savings related to the closure of the pool will go into immediate capital projects. Projects discussed include major repairs to the tennis and basketball courts, total replacement of the pool fencing, and upgrades to the landscaping.
This is all very unfortunate, and we do not wish to inconvenience anyone beyond what you may have already experienced during the pandemic, but we appreciate your understanding. We look forward to being able to get back to “normal” and visit with our neighbors, sharing in community events.
If you have any question regarding this matter, please contact me at (703) 565-5254 or by email at s.denutsui@cardinalmanagementgroup.com.
Sincerely,
COLONY PARK RECREATION ASSOCIATION
Steve Denutsui, CMCA®, Community Manager
Cardinal Management Group, Inc.
Agents for Colony Park Recreation Association