Provide Hope for Willow Oaks Pool Amidst COVID-19

Who is asking for funding?
The Willow Oaks Pool - Thankfully Phase 2 of Virginia Reopening started June 5th, but it may come as a surprise to many that it was not what many of us hoped. There are many restrictions and new guidelines for the opening of businesses, specifically public pools. Willow Oaks is one of the few communities in Hampton that has the asset of an outdoor pool, which has thrived for years. 

Why are they asking for funds?
We have met a crossroads and realize that Phase 2 has limitations we had not anticipated.  The Governor's order allows us to open for lap swimming, diving, exercise and instruction only.  Lap swimming is limited to three persons per lane. Seating may be provided on pool decks with at least 10 feet of spacing between persons who are not members of the same household.

Phase 3 is anticipated to begin three weeks after Phase 2, provided there is no additional uptick of COVID-19 cases.  This will allow open swim and raise the capacity limitations within the pool.  It is our hope that this starts June 26th, but we can't continue to pour funds into the pool without support from others who see the value of this entity.

The volunteerism that has gone into maintaining and growing this entity is far beyond what many people understand, but every year our community and pool members pull together to get the pool up and running by Memorial Day weekend. This year was different. COVID-19 left a big question mark as to whether or not the pool would be opening at all. Yet the volunteerism hasn't stopped.  The Willow Oaks pool management team and staff have poured their hearts, souls, time, AND personal finances into preparing the pool. They have had a phenomenal group of lifeguards, residents, pool members and local businesses pulling together to help ensure the facility was turn-key for opening day. However, the financial burden of chemicals and maintenance is constant, while the income from pool memberships is uncertain.

Isn't it better to just keep the pool closed this year?
Absolutely not!  This is our first step as a community to return to normalcy after a pandemic.  Let's reunite our community by supporting our most valuable asset!

If we are unable to open the pool, we fear a variety of things:
- it will become a breeding ground for mosquitos
- the pool will further deteriorate through the summer
- damage done to the pool through the heat and lack of treatment throughout the summer could pose challenges opening next summer


We have a final open date of July 1st.  If we have not raised enough funds to support the pool, we will be facing the challenges listed above.

Donations are independent of memberships.  If Willow Oaks Pool is unable to more fully open by July 1st due to a delay in Phase 3, WORA will accept all reasonable requests for a refund.