A New WGRA Pool is Underway!
Wellington Green Recreation Association is undertaking a comprehensive renovation of our 60-year-old pool facility to ensure compliance with state regulations and provide 60 more years of community enjoyment.
After permitting delays and a recent state inspection, the WGRA Board voted to move forward with the full renovation of our pool facility. Construction is beginning this spring as we work toward reopening with a new pool designed to serve our community for decades. Because of this, the pool will not open at the start of the 2026 season.
While we hope a late-summer opening may be possible, that timeline will depend on permitting and construction progress. Scroll down to learn more about where we are in the process.
Current Status
- The pool will not open at the start of the 2026 season
- Construction and permitting are underway
- Late-summer 2026 opening possible but not guaranteed
- Target full-season reopening: Summer 2027
2026 Season Update
After a recent inspection by the state (DES), the WGRA Board determined that the current pool cannot safely open in its existing condition. Rather than investing significant resources into temporary repairs for one summer, the board voted unanimously to proceed with the full renovation project.
Because construction is beginning this spring, the pool will not open at the start of the 2026 season. If construction progresses faster than expected, we will evaluate the possibility of a late-summer opening, though that timeline is not yet certain.
Swimming Options for Summer 2026
WGRA is finalizing partnerships with nearby pools so members will still have places to swim this summer at rates comparable to Wellington Green membership.
Our goal is to ensure families can access a pool this summer without paying significantly more than they would at WGRA. It is also our goal to seamlessly transition you back to WGRA membership, whether in the late 2026 season or in the new 2027 season.
➡️ Partner Pool Information (Coming Soon)
Construction Progress
Construction on the new Wellington Green pool is already underway. Major hillside work is nearing completion, and the project is currently moving through the permitting process.
We will continue to share construction updates and photos so members can follow the progress of the renovation.
➡️ View Renovation Updates Below
Progress photos above taken on 3/7/2026, showing deck expansion and total hill renovation.
Gators Swim Team Update
Great news for our swimmers: the WGRA Gators swim team will continue this summer!
SAIL has waived the rule requiring swimmers to hold a family membership at the host pool, allowing all returning swimmers to compete as Gators regardless of where they swim during the renovation season.🐊
➡️ Spirit Night at Chick-Fil-A Taylors
Annual Membership Meeting
📅 Sunday, March 29
🕒 3:00 PM
📍 WGRA Pool
Members are invited to attend our Annual Membership Meeting to see construction progress, hear details on partner pool plans, and vote on proposed bylaw updates.
Interested in a vacant Board seat? We want to hear from you! Please email President Tony Threat with your interest.
➡️ Meeting Information (coming soon)
Pictured above: Renovation renderings of the new WGRA pool concept.
Stay Connected
We will continue sharing updates throughout construction.
Thank you for your patience and continued support as we work toward reopening with a beautiful new Wellington Green pool.
We are building something that will serve this community for decades to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
— The WGRA Board
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t the current pool open for one more season?
Our pool is at the end of its life, and it would cost WGRA more to open it for one more season and delay our ability to start construction.
Will membership fees change?
WGRA does not intend to raise our membership fees. That being said, WGRA evaluates membership rates every year to stay competitive in the Greenville market.
How will partner pools work?
WGRA is seeking opportunities for our WGRA families to enjoy the summer at a pool. We will have more information soon about how the partnership pool membership will work.
Will the swim team still compete?
Yes. Please navigate to https://wgr.swimtopia.com/ for more information.
What happens if construction finishes early?
WGRA will communicate all options if the pool can open before Labor Day 2026.
Will 2025 members keep priority for 2027?
Yes. WGRA intends to honor our 2025 members first with early bird discounts when we reopen memberships for 2027.
Why is the assessment so high compared to our normal membership fees?
This is a one-time capital investment to replace 63-year-old infrastructure. At $1.18 per day, it’s less than a daily coffee and protects your much larger property investment. Normal membership fees cover operational costs, while this assessment covers a complete facility reconstruction that will last 30-50 years.
What if not enough members participate?
We need 85% participation (170 of 200 families) for success. Current surveys indicate strong support, and we have contingency plans if needed, including exploring additional financing options or phased construction approaches.
What happens if we default on our loan?
The bank will take ownership of the Wellington Green Recreation Association pool property. The bank will then close the property and put it up for sale, looking to recoup the property value and associated appreciation.
What happens to my assessment if I move?
The assessment is assessed annually up to the term of the 10-year loan and is associated with your yearly membership. If you request to pay the assessment quarterly, you will be responsible for completing your payments for that year. If you choose not to be a member of WGRA the following year or move away from Greenville, you would not pay the assessment.
Will new members have to pay the assessment?
Yes, all members benefit from the renovated facility and should contribute to its preservation. New members joining during the 10-year payment period will be required to participate in the remaining assessment payments.
What happens if I can’t afford the assessment?
We offer quarterly payment plans ($107.50 per quarter). Contact the board confidentially at WGRAchat@gmail.com to discuss options that work for your family. We’re committed to working with every member to find a solution.
When will the pool reopen?
WGRA will reopen Memorial Day 2027.
What if construction costs exceed the budget?
We have a 10% contingency built into the loan ($100,000 buffer) plus comprehensive contractor bonding and insurance protection. Our contractor is fully bonded with performance guarantees, ensuring completion within budget.
Why can’t we wait a few more years?
DES compliance deadlines are mandatory, and construction costs increase 5-8% annually. Our window to preserve this community treasure is closing rapidly. Waiting another year could cost an additional $50,000-$80,000 in construction costs alone.
Why isn’t the clubhouse renovation included?
We focused on the most critical need – pool infrastructure and DES compliance. The clubhouse, while needing updates, doesn’t face the same regulatory deadlines. Future improvements may be considered once this essential renovation is complete.
WGRA 