The Hillsboro Swim Club is under new management and new events including swimming lessons, midnight swims, dive-in movie nights and special lunches have been added to the events schedule for the 2017 season that begins May 27.
In an effort to showcase the facility and attract new members, the Hillsboro Swim Club is extending an open invitation to the public to visit the pool this Sunday, May 7 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. for a membership drive.
“If you are interested in a becoming a member to the pool, consider coming to the event to learn more about the Hillsboro Swim Club,” the club said in a news release.
Those in attendance will have a chance to purchase a $15 raffle ticket for a chance to win a free membership for the 2017 season. The drawing will take place at 2 p.m.
The club accommodates the needs of every family with a gated baby pool, a shallow end, as well as a deep end area with a diving board.
“I’ve been a member of the pool for over 20 years and I believe that if you visit, you will see that it is a great place to bring your family for daily summer fun” said board president April Leonard.
The Hillsboro Swim Club is a stockholder-owned pool, which means that every member of the pool is also an owner.
“I have young children, so I spend a lot of time at the pool each summer because I know it is a fun, safe environment for my children to play and explore with other families and members of our community,” said board secretary Alison Ballard. “Sometimes we go for a few hours in the morning and then come back in the evening. It is nice to have the flexibility to come and go.”
While the pool is not open to the public due to restrictions by the insurance, there are several membership levels to choose from including student, single, family and senior. Guests are permitted to attend with a member up to three times throughout the season by paying a $5 guest fee.
More information on pricing and pool rules can be explained at the membership drive.
Current members are invited to come and learn what is planned for this summer and pick up membership cards during Sunday’s event. If you are a current member and bring a guest that joins at the event, your name will go into a drawing for a free private party rental.
“Each year there is a misconception that the pool is not going to open, but what folks do not understand is that the pool is operated by the dues and fees collected, so if our members do not pay because of uncertainty of our opening, it is hard to plan appropriately for the season” said board treasurer Buck Wilkin. “That is why we want to offer a chance to come pay in person. We want to thank our many members who have paid early, and thanks to them, we are set for opening on Saturday, May 27, 2017.”
Wut Up Dawg, owned and operated by Highland County commissioner Shane Wilkin, will be at Sunday’s membership drive selling 100 percent beef franks, a side and a drink for $5 to benefit the pool.
The 2017 Hillsboro Swim Club Board of Directors will be there to answer any questions and showcase the facility. Guests will have a chance to pick up the scheduled events listing and provide input into the summer menu items.
“Swim lessons, midnight swims, dive-in movie nights, special lunches and more have been added to the schedule so that members can make plans ahead of time to attend during those special activity days” said board president Jennifer Howland.
The pool will be managed this year by lifelong pool member Tyler Schraw. He will be at Sunday’s event to address any issues of current and future membership in regard to life guarding, pool maintenance and safety.
“I’m excited to be back at the pool,” Schraw said. “I swam there as a kid, worked there as a life guard and assistant manager during high school, and now as pool manager. I know the needs of the pool and look forward to making it a great summer.”
The Hillsboro Swim Club is located at 635 W. Main St., Hillsboro. If you have questions, the best way to reach the organization is through its Facebook account. The board of directors are all volunteer, and all of them are able to respond to questions and concerns through the Facebook account. Follow @Hillsboro Swim Club for the latest news and updates.
The Hillsboro Swim Club has been part of the Highland County community since it opened for the first time on May 31, 1958.
“Many families have enjoyed the pool and its amenities generation by generation. On behalf of the entire membership, we invite you to our membership drive on May 7, 2017,” the news release said.
Information for this story was supplied by April Leonard and Jennifer Howland.
