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Photo courtesy Falling Creek Farms Recreation AssociationFacebook
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Photo courtesy Falling Creek Farms Recreation Association/Facebook
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Photo courtesy Falling Creek Farms Recreation Association/Facebook
In 1964 John and Erma Robins donated land for a quaint family pool in Chesterfield. Over the next 52 years, families made Falling Creek Farms pool a place to create memories. Five decades of cannonballs, family celebrations and endless games of Marco Polo began to take a toll on the beloved community pool; the wear and tear showed. Then, vandals defaced it. When it seemed that all hope was lost for re-establishing the once popular gathering place, a handful of volunteers dove in headfirst and proved that determination and a tight knit community can work wonders.
Long time member Allison Updike recalls the days when she lived just beyond the woods scattered around the pool. Her memories of FCF date back to when she was only eight years old. Now president of the community pool, Updike brings her own kids and watches them make memories of their own.
After extreme vandalism and a drop in membership, FCF pool looked as though its best days were in the past. Every light and kitchen appliance at the pool was shattered, and all of the pool equipment destroyed; a group of about 20 volunteers who got to work repairing the damage had their hands full. In addition, they re-grouted the pool as well as fixed broken tiles. But the community quickly rallied together; in just three weeks, they not only stopped the pool from shutting down but also reintroduced it to a new generation of swimmers.
The grand re-opening took place on July 2 and was a powerful day for many people who poured their heart and soul into the cause. Guests both old and new were welcomed with food, drinks and plenty of sunshine. ABC 8News made a special appearance to document the accomplishment, and dozens of people attended the celebration.
Fifty-two years ago FCF pool was established as a nonprofit, and with the help of community members, volunteers and neighboring pools, now it will remain the same.
The FCF pool Facebook page is full of posts and pictures attributing their summer smiles to what the newly refurbished community pool has to offer. Mark Longo, a member of FCF pool, shared his thoughts on the newly refinished pool.
“Great family neighborhood pool that has been here for 50 years! I am 51 and used it as a toddler and enjoying it as a parent now. Great community spirit.”
Think back to summer days at the pool when you were a kid: you’d spot the perfect chair located right next to the water. Your mom would hand you $5 and tell you to pick one snack and bring back the change. The hardest decision of the day was whether you wanted an ice-cream sandwich or fudge pop during adult swim.
Updike craves these experiences and memories for her children. She giggles as she looks out at the water and reminisces back to a time where she could, “wake up, grab a bowl of Cap’n Crunch, put on a suit and go to the pool.”
The hallmark of FCF is family. As Updike recalls memories of her childhood here, the sun kissed arms of her 7-year-old son Blake wrap around her neck; this brief interaction is a symbol of what this pool stands for.
“It’s so important to have a safe place to go and make friends,” says Updike, who begins to choke up as her two young children sit at a table behind her. “There are no words for the amount of happiness I feel.”
FCF will be hosting a community day at the pool on July 30 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Entrance is free of charge and everyone is welcome.
Due to a late opening, the FCF pool will have extended hours into September. For more questions about membership options, fees and pool hours please go to the Falling Creek Farms Facebook Page or head down to the pool at 9171 Gregory Drive and talk with an onsite staff member.
