After some tough times, Woodland Pool is doing well; new leaders looking to future
After some dark days, the future of Woodland Pool looks bright.
In 2018, Woodland, which opened in 1949, was on the verge of closing until members secured enough money to get through the season.
Woodland made it through the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic in decent shape but ran into issues again in 2022.
"Last year, we had a little snafu," said Dawn Kitchen, former board president. "I stepped down, but no one stepped up to be president."
Adding to the problems were rising costs related to management and maintenance because of supply-chain issues.
"Bills were higher, and revenue went down," Kitchen said. "After the year, we really thought that was it."
Jordan Phillips and others didn't want to see that happen and made donations to help.
Phillips and his wife Maria are now co-presidents of the board, while Kitchen has stayed on as an adviser.
Woodland Pool one of few left in community
"We moved into the neighborhood," Phillips said. "We were very excited to join the pool. Our kids are at that age where they really enjoy it.
"This is one of the only community pools left. We feel very strongly that we wanted to do our part."
With the help of other new board members, there is a renewed energy at Woodland.
Phillips credited Kitchen.
"Dawn's done an incredible job. She's been great to help us transition," he said. "The new board is very motivated.
"We have the support from the previous board, which is going to help us keep things running smoothly and not have those growing pains."
Members old and new will see some improvements at Woodland. The pool and other parts of the club have been repainted, and concrete has been repaired.
"It shows that we're continuing to invest in the club," Phillips said. "It improves good will."
Kitchen added, "The club is member-owned. I think that's partly why people chip in so much."
Woodland has about 150 family memberships, adding 46 in the week before Memorial Day weekend.
"We would like to have members join. We're not at capacity," Kitchen said.
Unlike earlier times, members do not have to live in the Woodland area. Kitchen said members no longer all live in the 44907 zip code. The club has attracted people from Ontario, Lexington and throughout the county.
"It's a broader community that we serve," Kitchen said.
Woodland will continue to offer "dive-in" movies, as well as bands. While the three clay tennis courts are no longer in use, pickleball courts are being added.
"Wednesdays at Woodland" offer fun for kids. The club also allows members to bring guests.
A family membership costs $400, while a single goes for $200. Couples can get a membership for $300.
People can get memberships with cash, check or credit card in person at 651 Andover Road or online at www.woodlandclub.com.
"I think we're thriving, and maybe even growing," Kitchen said.
mcaudill@gannett.com
419-521-7219
Twitter: @MarkCau32059251
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Woodland Pool is doing well; new leaders are looking to future
