Lexington Park, MD — Members of Town Creek Recreation Inc (TCRI) need help to pay for roughly $150,000 in repairs that are needed for the restoration of the Town Creek community pool.
TCRI has started a fundraiser to help restore what was once a gathering spot for the entire community.
The pool in Town Creek was built in 1965 and has served as a center of public life for swimmers over the past five decades.
It has hosted many gatherings over the years and served as a home for Boy and Girl Scouts’ water safety training and the Town Creek Sharks swim team.
The pool also provided employment opportunities for lifeguards – often serving as their first job.
Town Creek’s Sharks swim team has provided children ages 4-18 the opportunity to get exercise and be a part of the team. The Sharks have participated in hundreds of swim meets over the years.
In 2016 a significant leak was discovered in the original pot-metal pipes, forcing the pool to close. Since the neighborhood of Town Creek is not part of a Homeowner’s Association (HOA), it lacks funding needed to cover the cost of repairs.
Recreational leader, Cyndy Cartwright says, “Major renovations need to be done in the pump house including replacing all existing pipes and larger sand filters will need to be installed for water filtration.
Changes will need to be made to comply with current safety regulations, including removing the diving board and raising the height of the fence to six feet.
Cartwright adds, “Once we get renovations completed, we are hoping to get volunteers to help with repainting the gazebo and finalize the small details.”
Due to the closure, the swim team has been unable to host their practices and meets. Parents have organized carpools to get the kids to and from practices at the Forrest Farm community swimming pool. The Great Mills Swimming Pool has been rented out for meets.
Membership has declined over the years below the estimated 125 to 150 memberships needed to keep the pool running. When the pool reopens, membership will be made available to all residents of St. Mary’s County for a $300 annual membership fee plus summer dues.
Members of the community can help the Save our Sharks effort by purchasing a personalized engraved brick. The bricks will be placed between the concrete deck and grass as well as the walkway leading into the pool.
To help make your mark on the Town Creek community swimming pool, you can select from the many options below:
- 4 x 8 Brick ($100)
- 8 x 8 Brick ($225)
- 8 x 8 Brick w/ Logo ($300)
Or you can select commemorative products as keepsakes.
Souvenir Brick
Smaller option: a miniature brick (fits in your hand) with your custom inscription.
1.5” x 3” Brick $15; 3 X 3 Brick $25
Donor Certificate
Laser-printed certificate on heavy ivory paper showing your inscription on red-colored brick. $10
Orders can be placed online at: https://www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/towncreekpool
