Southeast Swim Club (SESC)

4301 SE School Road

Greensboro, NC 27406

The Southeast Guilford Swim and Tennis Club was formed by a group of 7 neighbors on November 3^rd, 1976, including the adoption of by-laws and the election of directors and officers, charter membership fee’s was set at $400 until January 31^st of 1977 and $500 there after, with yearly dues of $100. There were 69 charter memberships. A search for a suitable piece of land had been authorized on January 27^th, 1977. The purchase of the present 7 acre site at 4301 SE School Road for $20,000 was approved by the Board on April 26^th, 1977, and a deposit was made on the land. On that date, 24 new memberships were approved bringing the total membership to 93. A general site plan and design specifications for the pool and building were approved on May 12^th, 1977. This included a fenced 15m X 25m main pool with the minimum deck area allowed. Outside the fence in its present location was the building with two bath rooms and a room that is now the concession with the main electrical power panel, the pump room was located outside the fence, extending under the deck to the deep pool basin wall below the diving boards.

The SESC membership stood at exactly 100 at the end of 1980 and dues were raised to $125. Prior to the 1981 season, the fenced area was expanded to include the bath house and the concrete deck area at both ends of the pool. Then the wading pool was added and fenced with a gate into the main pool area. More paving was added for sidewalks and the space between the building and the original deck. A swim team was formed for the 1981 season and it joined the Greensboro Community Swim Association which included the pools of Hillsdale, Oak Ridge, Starmount, Pine Top and Battle Forrest.

In 1983, the pool was renovated at a cost of about $70,000. By 1984, the SESC membership had risen to 160. Membership was $400 with dues of $200.

The entire facility, except the original bath building had to be replaced and the building would require expansion by more than 100%. The new officers set forth to insure the continued existence of the SESC. The president assumed responsibility for all negotiations with the county, contractors, banks and membership communications. The V.P. assumed responsibility to design an entire new facility and with the Treasurer, establish a financial plan. At a special meeting in Feb, 1998 the club adopted the recommendations of the Officers which included increased dues to $250, an $200 assessment, revised by-laws and authorization to borrow $120,000.

The President after frequent meetings with the county negotiated an arrangement wherein the main pool, but not the wading pool would be allowed to operate the 1998 season with a minimum of patch work on the condition that the entire facility would be brought to current NC codes, loosing all “grandfathering” under previous codes before the 1999 season and that the county must have approved the construction plans for that work prior to the issuance of the 1998 permit. That was accomplished in less than 90 days. The week following the Labor Day closing in 1998, all property to be retained was stored and demolition began. In January of 1999, construction of the pool began, a new 1999 Board member agreed to oversee all construction, landscaping and coordination with the county for the project at cost, excluding the electrical and deck / pool contract. Another 1999 Board member performed all the electrical contracting for the entire facility at the cost of the materials. These two efforts reduced the cost by perhaps $80,000. The new facility opened on schedule, Memorial Day weekend 1999.

The 1999 year was a great success, after a drive, membership had risen to only 214. This placed the SESC financial plan about 15% below projections for the first year to cover expenses and there were no reserves as a result of cost over runs, mostly amenities for the enjoyment of members and swim team support that if delayed would have been prohibitively expensive later. Replacement of the roof of the bathhouse and most of the septic system were not anticipated. The 1999 season ends, having expended nearly $75,000 cash + $220,000 from a loan into a $135,000 seven acre site. It had developed a facility valued in excess of $550,000 as of 1999. Over the subsequent six years the cost to build a like facility including land has risen to an estimated $950,000. As if this time, debt stands at about $80.000.

In the years of 2000~2005 the pool property, facility and amenities have constantly been augmented. Picnic facilities, party areas, expanded parking, security systems, music and PA systems, bleachers for swimming competitions, added safety systems and most recently, a new water slide in 2005, all contribute to make the SESC the best family activity in the county.

The continuing challenge remains to increase membership as the facility remains to be enjoyed by about 50% of its potential. Plans to add tennis, soccer or volleyball facilities are some of the potential plans that exist for the enjoyment of the membership await only sufficient members to utilize them.

GEG 1/2001, Amended 2/2006