Questions from Members and Answers from the Construction Committee

Regarding the site plan:  

I can't quite make out all of the features.   Specifically:   what is the thing that is adjacent to the existing front desk/bathhouse --- it's shaped like a keyhole, and I can't tell what the surrounding stuff is.  

[I think you're referring to the new smaller baby pool, which is required to have a walk-in entry. The stuff around it are proposed shade structures.]


How is the baby pool changing?  It looks rectangular, with some kind curved arc extending from it and I can't make sense of that either.

[We're actually building three new pools: the new, smaller baby pool that will be adjacent to the bathhouse (as mentioned above), a new social pool that will have a beach entry, underwater benches and splash features to replace the current tank pool, and a new main pool. I think the pool you're referring to in this paragraph is the new social pool. We expect it will become the new "pool of choice" for the post-toddler to senior bathers crowd.]

Here's a bunch of random questions:

Pool
Will the main pool be heated? 

[No. It's very, very expensive to heat a pool, esp. one as large and deep (in the dive well section) as the new main pool will be.  Thus, there are no plans to install a heater in the new main pool.  The lap pool (which does have a heater and is heated) will continue to be used for the extended season.]

Will there be a high dive or slide? 

[Probably yes to both, subject to cost and insurance considerations. Both of these items are in our plans at this point.]

Site Amenities

Is the bathhouse being renovated?

[No. For a variety of reasons, we're not touching the bathhouse or the lap pool during this renovation.]

Has there been consideration to add wifi?

[We have been discussing the audio/visual requirements of the new pool deck and clubhouse. Ultimately, the decision on whether to install a wifi system will fall to the Board. In years past, the Board has opted not to have wifi at Overlee due to a desire to maintain it as a recreational (and not outside office) site. It remains to be determined whether this philosophy will continue to prevail.]

Is the decking being replaced with trek or something else non-splintery?

Overlee Member at Arlington ER having very large deck splinter removed.

[Yes, the current plan is to replace the splintery wood with decking made of composite materials such as Trek.  Please note, however, that composite materials with prolonged exposure to the direct sun tend to get much hotter than natural wood, so there are trade-offs involved and we face a choice between decking may be too hot for people to walk on versus decking that may cause injuries of the kind shown in the photo.  As with many decisions relating to this project, there is no right answer (other than to continue to urge everyone to wear protective footwear on the decks).]


Observations/Questions:
We've been trying to enjoy some dinners at the pool, but it's pretty sunny on the upper deck and crowded.   Does the new plan do anything to add more eating seating on the John Marshall side of the pool?  In the late afternoon/eve, that side gets the best shade, i think.

[The pool positions and clubhouse will be shifting toward Lee Hwy to maximize use of the site, especially with the zoning and set-back issues. There will be more deck space between the bathhouse and the main pool. Eating will remain near the clubhouse and the upper deck due to health code regulations. There will be significantly more space surrounding the clubhouse and the upper space. We are working hard to save trees in the open space so that there is some shade.]


Also -- will the new plans allow for use of the kitchen to pool goers?   As a mom trying to pack dinner for the family, I would be eternally grateful for access, at a minimum, to a microwave.

[Use of the kitchen is not a design issue but a management issue. However we are not anticipating access to a kitchen, microwave or refrigerator. We are striving to continue to have outdoor grills for use by the membership, even when a private or team event is going on. ]

Will the be any incorporation of a playground or sand lot?  It would keep the youngsters (esp. mine) out of the volleyball court.

[There will be a playground above the social pool a bit south of the new clubhouse (pretty much on the site of the existing clubhouse). We haven't decided what ground cover will be used or what playground equipment will be installed.]


It seems like there is a lot of wonderful park space that you don't really get to take advantage, either along John Marshall or behind the clubhouse because there is no access (except for special events).   Just wondering if new fencing or something could open up those areas to pool goers.

[The idea behind the new master site plan is to open up as much of the Overlee property as possible for use by Overlee members. There are limits to what we can do because of zoning and setback requirements, but you've identified one of the key goals driving the new plan.]


How about netting at the bottom of the ping ping area to keep those runaway balls in check? LOL -- playing with my 6 yr old, we spend more time chasing loose balls than getting it across the net :)

[Good idea; I know that area around and underneath the deck with the ping pong tables is a veritable graveyard for ping pong balls.]