Save Glennwood Pool: A Community Hub Destroyed by Hurricane

When I was young, nothing was better than those long summer days spent with friends—riding bikes, exploring, and most of all, hanging out at the community pool. Looking back on summers past, I can see how it marked the end of an era for families and kids. It wasn’t just about the pool; it was about the connections we shared, the memories we made, and the simple joy of being together as a community.

The world has changed since then. Kids today are more likely to stay inside, glued to screens, missing out on what we had: the chance to connect with others, to build friendships, and to grow up together. But when my family moved to the Glennwood neighborhood in Evans, we found something that felt like a step back in time—a hidden gem that still carried the spirit of those simpler days.

Glennwood Pool, built in 1977, has been a cherished part of this community for decades. It has survived through a changing world, including COVID, and it has remained a place where our community comes together—whether for cannonballs, barbecues, “Dive-in” movie nights, or just good times in the sun. It has always been

more than just a pool; it’s been a place where families and generations connect.

But now, our beloved pool is facing its greatest challenge. Tim Pirtle purchased the pool in 2006 and lovingly maintained it until his passing. On October 13, 2017, in loving memory of Tim, Miriam Pirtle donated the pool to the Glennwood Pool Association, a volunteer-led group determined to keep the pool open for the community and promote

the continuance of growing together and making lifetime memories.

And then came Hurricane Helen.

On September 27, 2024, our lives—and our community —were forever changed. The storm brought devastation, and Glennwood Pool was hit hard. The damage is overwhelming, and with no insurance to cover hurricane-related damages, we’re at a crossroads. We’re looking at either raising $30,000 to repair the pool or facing the

heartbreaking reality of closing it for good.

As a volunteer-operated, membership-funded facility, we simply don’t have the resources to recover from this kind of destruction without outside help. We need immediate assistance to make critical repairs and ensure that Glennwood Pool can continue to serve as the heart of our community.

What We Need:

We’re asking for donations to help cover the costs of necessary repairs to get the pool back up and running. Here’s a breakdown of what’s needed to save the pool:

The pump house was flooded:

- Pool Pumps - $3000

- Filtration System - $10,000

A tree fell on the workshop supplying electrical power to

the well:

- Tree Removal – Cost unknown currently - estimate $2000

- Re-establish the electrical power to the well – service

being donated – 0 cost

- Swimming Pool Clean UP: Drain, Power Wash, Repair any Damage, Resurfacing/Painting – Cost unknown currently

Estimating $13000+

- Additional materials and labor to get the pool operational – $2000

We’re also open to donations of services, materials, or anything else that can help reduce the cost of repairs.

Why Your Support Matters:

Glennwood Pool is more than just a place to swim. It’s a place where memories are made, where kids grow up together, where families bond, and where a community thrives. Losing this pool would be a huge blow to the spirit of our community, especially after the challenges we’ve already faced.

Without your support, the pool will not survive. We need your help to keep this piece of our community’s history alive for future generations. Whether you can donate financially or offer services, every little bit counts. Please consider giving what you can, and if you’re unable to contribute, sharing this page with your network would mean the world

to us.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Your generosity will ensure that Glennwood Pool remains a place where families can gather, memories can be made, and the spirit of the community can thrive. Together, we can save this treasure and continue to build something special for the future.

**Donate Today – Every Dollar Brings Us Closer to Saving Glennwood Pool!**

With deepest gratitude,

Kay Altman

President, Glennwood Pool Association

GLENWOOD POOL UPDATE: PROGRESS AND MOMENTUM!

We’ve had a productive and inspiring work weekend as we continue making strides on the pool! I’m excited to share the latest updates and give thanks to everyone who has been involved.

Work Weekend Success

Our recent work weekend was a huge success! Thanks to the dedication of our incredible volunteers, we’ve made great progress on the cleanup. This is an important step as we work toward our goal, and it's a true testament to the power of collaboration and community.

Chain Link Fence Repair Complete

A special thank you to those who made generous donations to support the project. Because of these contributions, we were able to repair the chain link fence, and that work is now complete. This is a critical improvement and brings us one step closer to a safer, more secure space.

Privacy Fence Removed

In addition, the privacy fence has been taken down, which opens a beautiful view of the pool. While the removal is a big step, we’ll need to clear the remaining debris. The only cost to this task will be the cost to dump the debris at the land fill. Volunteers will load and unload the debris to reduce the cost of removal.

Next Steps

The next major task is to remove the remaining debris, and re-establishing electricity to the well house. Once that’s done, we’ll be able to move forward with the next phase of the project with even more momentum.

I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has contributed, whether through volunteer hours, donations, or simply lending your support. Each of you plays a vital role, and together, we’re creating something truly special.

We’re making great progress, but there’s still more work to be done. Let’s keep up the momentum and continue working toward our shared vision – Saving the Pool. The finish line is in sight, and with this amazing team, I’m confident we’ll get there stronger than ever. The word that comes to mind in viewing the progress is HOPE for tomorrow.

Thank you for your hard work, your spirit, and your dedication. Onward!

With gratitude,

Kay Altman, President

Glennwood Pool Association