Kingswood Klams, I hope this finds you all safe and well in these unprecedented times of our lives. We wanted to update you on the status of the Pool and of the swimteam, and what we know so far as to the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic restrictions on our summer of fun. As you are all likely aware, Gov. Northam will be instituting a phased approach to opening businesses in Virginia likely starting Friday, 15 May. It appears that this phase will limit social gatherings to 10 people max. A second phase of opening will likely happen no sooner than 4 weeks after the implementation of phase 1 (per news reports), which will limit social gatherings to no more than 50 people after 15 June. It is anticipated at this time that the restriction will last at least a month also. The Kingswood board and leadership are prepared to open the pool as soon as the local and state government permits us to. When permitted, we will follow all applicable guidelines, and will be instituting a more rigorous cleanliness process to help insure the reduction in risk of spread of the virus. We are still determining how we will implement a social distance policy and max # of people gathering policy.  Once more clear guidance from state leaders and representatives are provided we will be able to better determine those plans. We are unsure of how this will affect membership prices or options at the moment. Bottom line is - we still hope to open this summer and spend quality time at our pool.

Summer swim team season is still up in the air. VPSU is keeping track of the COVID-19 status, and has several contingency plans for shortened summer swim seasons. We will keep membership posted on the leagues status as soon as we are aware. We are of the highest hopes that we will be able to recover some semblance of a season for our kids to enjoy some competitive swimming.

As for the status of the pool - Harold has done a wonderful job prepping for opening. Furniture is mostly out and cleaned. As soon as the guidelines are provided to permit opening, we will remove the pool cover and prep the water for the summer. Additionally - good news - the plans for the Bubble being installed at Kingswood are progressing nicely. We have high hopes that we will have the ability to offer membership for a winter swim option at Kingswood, and several H20 activities throughout the year.

As you all know, we are a non-profit group of friends and neighbors, and our main source of income is from you and your memberships. Without you, we would not exist. We, like many small non-profit organizations, are going to be financially strapped until this pandemic is over. Our main financial obligations are the mortgage on the clubhouse, general upkeep, and utilities while the pool isn't operating. We are currently financially viable for several more months without the pool opening, however, we do run the risk of having serious financial issues if we are unable to open the pool this summer, or if membership numbers decline significantly due to the virus.  

We are looking into loans and grants that are available to assist us in these times, however, we are asking the membership and our neighbors to consider donating any aid they can to maintain our financial stability. If you are able to help, we would be extremely grateful.  If you have any experience or ideas on how we can seek assistance, please volunteer to help us execute those options.  

Lastly, I wanted to share a fun activity we are trying to implement to raise some funds. Kingswood is going to be having Friday Drive-in Movie nights in the lawn. We hope to have news of this out to you all very soon. It will give you a chance to get out of the house, drive into our field, and watch a movie from your vehicle - implementing social distance standards - of course. Hopefully this will be chance to get some semblance of fun and normalcy in these trying times. 

We wish you all the best, and please stay safe. Hope to see you all again soon.

-Kingswood Board of Directors