Hey, does anyone else agree that Rancho Murieta could use a community swimming pool?
I'm sure alot of people here feel that it's rather unusual that Rancho Murieta doesn't have something as practical and beneficial to all age groups as something as rewarding to its residents as a public swimming pool. This is more than just a golfing community, isn't it?
And why not a complete Rec Center as well? A gym, a weight room, a yoga room, a suana and spa. And how about additional big activity rooms to be rented ($$$), like for seminars, wedding receptions, anniversary celebrations, political rallies, small concerts, etc.
Game rooms like a pinball arcade, video games, pool tables, a big screen TV room for a sports night or weekend afternoon get together with fellow sports fans.
These are all wonderful things that offer activities to keep people busy in their leisure time and to get together with their fellow community residents. Things for the kids to do so they don't act out various ill-intentions because their bored. Sure, it's easy to complain about them doing wrong, but how about giving them something positive to do out here?
A Rec Center with a large swimming pool for year-round use is a "positive thing" in every way that you look at it. I'm glad to see that people are talking about it. Let's hope that we can get the "powers that be" to realize that this is long overdue for the community. Let's find out who these "beacons of restraint" are, and get them to see the promising potential of what a Rec Center and swimming pool will do for the community.
Hi Kerry!
I believe a community pool has been voted down a few times. One probably because of the price but also because there are so many households with pools already.
For me personally, I'm not much of a water person...so not important.
I would like to see a community/recreation center with a park director on duty 10-5p. While that might help with some of the teen boredom it would probably get voted down because of cost.
Yeah, I know, it's always about the money, isn't it? But, I've thought that a community pool was just another great means of interaction with the people of the community. It's a fun, social activity which does contribute to helping our fellow residents of all ages find interesting ways of staying active and healthy. That was one of the wonderful things I've discovered back in the Air Force. People of all ages enjoyed a community pool. It serves to be physically as well as psychologically healthy for all ages.
However, I hope by merely mentioning this on a warm day like today, people would talk about it. People would look for ways to make it possible. People would look to make sacrifices to consider such a project. Thanks for you're input, Beth. I hope to hear from others as well.
I would love to see one. Just a matter of how much we would be willing to pay. It's going to raise the cost of living here one way or the other.
I bet it would be successful if it was a "pay if you are a member" type thing. To that end, there was talk of the country club doing something like this, but I haven't heard a word about it for a year or so.
Regardless, the last survey on this was done a while back. Would be interesting to see what the sentiments are now. However, so few people respond to surveys these days, it would be hard to get a read on where folks are on just about anything.
Another great reason for a community pool besides what you mentioned, Kerry, would be therapeutic. Not only could that open up the possibility for a Water Aerobic Class but also think about the benefits of Physical Therapy which could possibly expand Murieta Physical Therapy's ability to help their customers.
Our family would absolutely use a community pool! We visited Detroit recently and every neighborhood had its own park and pool. We were so envious! We also have family who live in a community similar to ours (Lake Wildwood) and they told us their pool is used by all ages in their community. They have times set aside for different uses. For example, water aerobic classes in the morning for seniors with some lanes for lap swimming, and later in the day it's open swim for the kids. If funding for a pool is out of the question (and I sincerely hope it's not) a less expensive alternative might be to integrate a spray park in one of our parks. There are a few of these in Sacramento where water squirts out of holes in the ground randomly. The ground is rubberized so it's not hard to fall on or hot from the sun, and the water operates on a timer when kids push a big button. Swanston Park has a new spray park that cost $200,000, but from what I understand it's pretty amazing. We could do something similar but on a smaller scale. Seely Park is another example on a much smaller scale that we could imitate.
A "water/spray" park was entertained as an idea up at Stonehouse about 4-5 years ago. The Maintenance Committee took a look at some brochures, and Rod Hart (or his staff) may even have the info (or at least contact info) from then.
I recall that the idea was set aside due to costs, but also other projects took priority at the time (I think it was bathrooms up at Clementia for one...and we all seem to be enjoying those now ;-) Which by the way was not a Maintenance Committee project).
Regarding a community pool, it would indeed be a costly thing for the community to undertake. First, there are the installation costs, then the upkeep costs and the liability insurance that would have to be carried. And, given that the costs could not be offset only by charging those individuals who would use the pool, there would have to be additional costs assessed to the residents. Most communities fund this by assessing taxes, either directly to the citizens by city income taxes, or perhaps businesses being taxed.
Considering that we as a community would have to incurr the additional cost by having our (mostly likely) RMA dues increased and since 30 to 50% of the residents living here have their own pools, they would question why they have to pay additional dues for a service they would seldom to never use. I mean...Honestly, we've got people petitioning to remove the cost associated with the included cable service because it is a service 'they don't want to be forced to pay for'. How many people would want to be 'forced' to pay for the use of a community pool?
The way I look at it...if you don't want to pay high dues or fees for living in a community? Look for somewhere else to live. If I lived in Laguna West, but never used the roadway that went over the railroad track, or none of the parks, could I opt out of paying a portion of my Mello-Roos? I think not. Granted, the cable system has problems that need to be addressed. Whiping up a frenzy to petition residents who want to save ~$30.00? -- But, I digress. This is a comment about the idea of a community pool, isn't it?
I'd support the idea of a community pool, even if it meant that I would have to pay additional money to use it, either in a at-the-door fee or included in homeowners' fees.
I'm going to have to echo my hubby and say, yes, I love the idea of an RMA community swimming pool. It should be a "pay for membership" arrangement, though. Alternatively, if RMCC wanted to put in a pool and offer a "Swim and Tennis" membership, I would most likely jump in line.
It would be great to have a pool accessible to everyone... youth swim team, anyone?
Imagine having a recreation center which includes not only a swimming pool, but perhaps a gym, an exercise room, a sauna and spa. And maybe some game rooms which include pool tables and video games and pinball. Even a large day room with a big screen TV for when a games on. All these things would offer a great social atmosphere for the community to get out and interact with their fellow members. It could even give kids jobs here, as well as other members looking for leadership roles for the community.
If more activities are offered like that of a total recreation center, then I'm sure that it would start to pay for itself in just a matter of time. I'd be very happy to pay my share as a member. Like they say, if you build it, they will come. Everyone would really have to believe in it and would want to become an active part of it. I know that there are people here who would just love to go somewhere where they can meet more of their fellow residents out here. Just coming to the post office to see if they know anyone is a great joy to some people. I'm pleased to see all this enthusiasm when they are here.
I know I'd like to get together with my favorite people at the pool after a hard day at work.
Robert,
I would bet that if the RMCC took a poll of the community they would gain enough memberships to pay for a pool and health facility. I for one would join.
I would bet that the RMCC members would welcome another 200+ members, possibly just social/swim/fitness, that this type of facility would bring.
Anyone interested in a poll on this subject???
I wonder if the "Good Old Boys Club" would want anything like this, I doubt it......
Just an interested "Prospective" member that the current facilities are not enought to get him to join....
Sample Poll Stab
Would you join RMCC under a golf membership if they had a first class pool and fitness facility
YES
NO
Would you join RMCC under a social membership if they had a first class pool and fitness facility?
YES
NO
Would you support a Rec Center wit a first class pool and fitness facility if it were added to monthly RMA dues?
YES
NO
CURRENT RMCC MEMBER POLL
As a current member of RMCC, would you support a first class pool and fitness facility for members?
YES
NO
I'd take out any words with bias and are too vague...take out "first class" and I think those questions are solid.
I'd also add things such as:
RMCC member YES/NO
Simple demographics would be good too
One or more children under 15 YES/NO)...you don't want to have a poll that reflects readership/voting tendencies, and have that clearly out of whatck from who lives out here...the poll would have no value.
Other adds...
I would join a Rec Pool area if monthly dues were less than $25/month...YES/NO
I would join a Rec Pool area if monthly dues were less than $50/month...YES/NO
I would join a Rec Pool area if monthly dues were less than $75/month...YES/NO
I don't think anyone can "drag" RMCC in to anything. It's a private club that can do as it pleases. The club can reject outsider (or insider) ideas at will, and will undoubtedly serve its membership the best way it sees fit.
I think the point being made is that if the club is looking for ways to EXPAND membership, this is an avenue that could be explored. I would agree, however, that if the club is most interested in remaining a golf/tennis club, you've got what you got, and those that want it that way will continue to be happy.
Let's keep in mind that a swim/rec club is not just a place to jump into a concrete hole in the ground with some water in it. The social, instructive, organized event opportunities of a swim club are more than just a nice dip in the water.
I lived in an area where a ton of my friends had pools. We (as a group of friends and as a family) chose to "go to the club" instead of pool family homes a lot of the time. The club had more families, more things to do, and a great way to get the heck out of the house!
So, the argument that a lot of people have their own pools, in my opinion, is not a very strong argument for this not being on the community (or RNCC) radar.
We've been hoping that the community would come together and build a rec center/pool. Not only would it give the kids in the community a safe place to hang out, it is another potential revenue builder for the community. We would be willing to pay extra dues or membership fees for something like that.
Blake,
My intention on my comments is not to force anything, I am just trying to open eyes not only in the RMCC, but everyone. I know the RMCC is a private club and they can do what they want, but why not look at avenues to increase their membership and at the same time, serve the community interest. If by adding a swimming pool and a fitness center increases member by 100, 200, 300, or more, it would be a win-win for not only the RMCC, but also the community.
My career is in sales and marketing and I have not seen the RMCC offer anything to attract membership except to golfers. Yes, I golf, but not enough to join the RMCC for golf. If they had more to offer, I would join, but with what they offer now, I have no interest in joining. I do not think I am the only one in this community that feels this way.
Tom, I'm totally on board with you. There are so many golfing options in this area, I find it hard to imagine that I'd benefit from joining our local club for things I could do elsewhere with the relative infrequency that I play.
I was more referring to Mr. Denham's assertion that RMCC shouldn't be dragged in. No one is dragging anybody anywhere. You and I won't drag them (or make them drink), but we can lead them to the water (horrible pun intended...but approriate I think).
A community pool would definitely be an attractive amenity to those looking to buy in the community (and help those without pools to sell), but even more importantly I feel it would offer something to the community as a whole: another way to bring us together and offer our kids, teens and seniors the ability to participate in a healthy, fun activity -from those needing low impact exercise to those merely wanting to escape the heat. Additionally it would be another way for our bored teenagers to fill their days...
Of course everyone knows a pool will cost the community and I guess we have to ask ourselves, what would I be willing to pay for this benefit? To get the communities pulse might be to estimate the total cost, break it down per household and survey us. It may not pass, but the idea continues to arise so there obviously continues to be interest. If I was shown the estimated cost to my household and it seemed reasonable I would definitely vote YES.
Jodi Wicks
A community pool would be a terrific idea for those families that do not own a pool. Or how about a water splash play area? Adding a community pool will not only increase the overall appeal of our GOLF communtiy, the kids (of all ages) will enjoy splashing around in the pool and the parents will enjoy not having to go into town each day to use a gym pool or recreation pool. Cost? It seems as though RM is continuously increasing fees left and right; as if the economy isn't already bad, so if a family wants to join, perhaps there will be an additional fee attached to those families only! In addition, a water park or pool would likely keep the older kids busy during the summer months when they are not being supervised by their parents. Statistics show, busier kids are less likely to commit crime...
This is great that there are so many interested in this idea, but in reality, the board will probably dismiss the idea or "put it to the side" as one person already mentioned.
Tom,
A poll of the community does not assure memberships. You are a "Prospective" member with out much detail of the RMCC workings...only an opinion of what would work to your interest. As a 20 year member of RMCC and a current member of the Finance Committee I doubt an additionl 200 members would join and if they did, allow the club to build a pool large enough to accomodate the 1600 members the club would then have. A good percentage of homes in RM have their own pools and would not join the CC for a pool. As Bob Denham has mentioned the costs to operate and staff a CC pool could not be covered by the members without a substantial increase in dues. The best solution for those wanting a pool, is to have a RMA Community Pool with membership fees. Then the large percentage of older folks who are not interested in a pool would not have to pay for it.
However, we are just a few people showing interest at this time. We need to get out and talk with our friends and neighbors about this. We need to create a greater awareness of this desired addition to our activities in Rancho Murieta. We gotta rattle some cages! For sure.
Can anyone give us some idea about the cost of this such project? This latest response is predominately positive. It's like, many residents are wondering why this isn't a reality yet. I don't think we'd dismiss a reasonable offer from the lowest bidder for the project.
Think about how much we spend driving miles away from here to go out and entertain ourselves when we can put that money towards a means of family recreation and entertainment within the community. Everyone benefits somehow.
But, what it will take is more people showing the desire to make this happen. Help us make more people aware of this "hot topic" and get them to give their input right here, as well. And if you think that YOU have any motivating influence, or a power of persuasion, then please go knock on the doors of those "beacons of restraint" that are holding this project back. If we don't get loud and insistant about it now, then it just may never come to be in the future.
Sure, we love golf, and sure, we love tennis. But, it would be great to meet at the rec center afterwards for a refreshing dip in the pool. Don't you think?
I'm pretty sure that any location or supporting agency (RMA, RMCC, or some new acronym we get to have) will need to make this a fee for service/membership recreation center and pool facility. The days of mandatory membership for just about anything are long gone (all you cable folks, don't hijack this thread ;-).
RMCC folks need not get too riled up. If the club is doing fine as is, I can understand the reluctance to entertain this idea as an amenity for the existing club membership. The recent changes in levels of membership amounted to a shuffle for how often and when you could golf, so it's clearly a golf crowd. Good enough.
However, I disagree about the "we have a pool already" argument. I bet many people with pools will join if they want their kids on the swim team, or if they want to take advantage of the other recreational/social aspects of the facility. I'm sure we can all come up with "my friend" who is counter to that logic, but that's my hunch.
In my relatively short (yet active) time living here (six years?), I've seen long held myths debunked (or about to be debunked). So I'm not convinced this movement is dead in the water (dang, those puns keep coming).
Joined: 2007-09-08