How the community saved a north Columbus pool
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A beloved north Columbus pool that was on the brink of closing will reopen for summer 2025 after members and staff raised more than $50,000 to save it.
Back in August, Northland Swim Club members learned that the pool was struggling financially, and staff were closing it permanently after the 2024 season.
Long-time member Pam Tabler said they typically get their membership packets for the next summer before the pool closes in September.
“When we didn’t get our packets for the following year, we knew it was real,” Tabler said.
Members were told that it would take at least $50,000 to save the pool.
“We just went out to our members and we told them the truth, told them what we needed and we asked for pledges and now the pledges have turned into donations and they’re sending them in,” Northland Swim Club General Manager Missi Conley said.
With the goal of $50,000, pool members and managers set out at the end of summer to donate and pledge enough money to reopen the swim club.
The pool means a lot to many members and staff from the past and present, so they said they got to work immediately.
“I love the pool,” Conley said. “I mean it would have been hard. I was looking for another pool job. I had to find a place to go. I just, I love that pool. It’s part of my blood.”
Conley said that she was shocked when she learned people who had never been to the pool or older members who hadn’t come in decades decided to donate money to save Northland Swim Club. There was even an anonymous donor who stepped up to give $10,000.
The club had until Nov. 1 to raise the money, and just last week, they learned the pool would open in 2025.
“The amazing thing is none of the families that go there are rich and the economy’s not real good, but we did it,” Tabler said. “So now we have our packets and we’re going to go to the pool. I bought new blow-up chairs. I'm so excited.”
But Conley said the work is not done yet. There are major repairs she wants to do and she said more members will be needed to keep the pool going long-term.
“We want to go past this year,” she said. “We want to keep growing so we want to bring in new families, new people, new ideas, we’re open to everything.”
Membership applications are open now for anyone who wants to join next year. Conley said they have lots of room for more families and members.
The pool is also still accepting donations to help keep the pool up and running. To become a member, donate or get more information about the swim club, click here.